KG Mobility expands BYD partnership, develops BEV ute

KG Mobility (formerly Ssangyong Motor Company) is expanding its partnership with BYD to produce battery packs in Korea and jointly develop next-generation hybrid systems.

The decision to expand future collaborations between the two companies was made to build on the successful launch of the battery electric Torres EVX SUV.

This agreement will see battery packs produced in Korea integrated into the Torres EVX and the company’s new BEV pick-up, which is scheduled for mass production in the second half of 2024 for launch in December.

Before the agreement, researchers from both companies had already begun joint development of the next-generation hybrid system with plans to expand its line-up, starting with a Torres-based hybrid model in 2025.

There are also plans to concurrently develop plug-in hybrids. A restructuring of the research institute was recently completed to bolster electric vehicle development capabilities and ensure success in hybrid development.

“KG Mobility embarked on a journey of change and development as a mobility company by changing its name last March. We started with the launch of the Torres EVX, aimed at providing safe, affordable, high-performance electric vehicles meeting the needs of our customers,” KG Mobility chairperson Kwak Jae-seon says. 

“We anticipate that this expanded cooperation with BYD will strengthen our electric vehicle lineup, including the Torres EVX, KR10, and F100, while reorganising our product range to focus on eco-friendly vehicles. This includes introducing a dedicated electric vehicle platform and launching hybrid products.

“KG Mobility’s development direction is evident in the Torres EVX. We received an excellent response from domestic electric vehicle consumers by offering a 10-year, 1 million km battery warranty, the highest in the world,” he says.