SsangYong – now officially known as KG Mobility – has signed an agreement with Chinese electric vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturer BYD to co-develop EVs and hybrid vehicles.
This announcement follows KG Mobility launching the Torres EVX in South Korea. The electric SUV uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery packs from BYD.
KG Mobility says this new agreement will see the Torres EVX’s battery packs be produced in South Korea.
O100 concept
The battery packs will also be integrated in the South Korean carmaker’s forthcoming all-electric ute, which was recently shown off in concept form and is currently scheduled for mass production in the second half of 2024, as well as in “other applicable vehicle models”.
In addition, the companies have already begun joint development of a “next-generation hybrid system” which will first be used in a Torres-based model in 2025.
There are also plans to concurrently develop a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, which KG Mobility recently restructured its research institute for.
KR10 concept 
F100 concept
“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,” said KG Mobility chairman Kwak Jae-seon.
“This includes introducing a dedicated electric vehicle platform and launching hybrid products.”
As recently reported, KG Mobility revealed a trio of concepts at this year’s Seoul motor show which preview production vehicles due before 2025.
Torres EVX
KG Mobility also shared a few details on a new electric vehicle platform, to be introduced by 2026.
The platform support dual-motor powertrains, which the company says can “enable switching between front/rear and two-wheel/four-wheel drive depending on the driving environment”.
At this stage the company’s Australian arm has confirmed the Torres EVX is on its radar, while its combustion-powered counterpart is now due in the first half of 2024.
MORE: SsangYong Torres EVX: Electric SUV battery, powertrain detailed
MORE: SsangYong reveals electric ute concept, new SUVs
