2021 SsangYong Korando e-Motion electric SUV revealed, Australian launch under consideration

The 2021 SsangYong Korando e-Motion has been unveiled in South Korea and Europe, though an Australian launch has yet to be locked in.

First teased in July 2020 under its codename 'E100', a sole, digitally-rendered image of SsangYong's first electric vehicle was released overnight, revealing it will pair the combustion-powered Korando's mid-size SUV body with an assortment of blue, electric-themed styling elements.

Up front, a new closed-off bumper houses blue-accented headlights and e-Motion badging, while along the side there's a set of aerodynamic 17-inch alloy wheels, and blue accents on the mirror caps and side skirts.

Images of the electric SUV's rear end and interior have yet to be released – with the first photos likely to be published closer to its European launch in August – though expect the same array of blue accents and e-Motion badges to feature heavily both inside and out.

Mechanical details are equally thin on the ground, though information shared by SsangYong with Auto Express points to the use of a 61.5kWh lithium-ion battery, paired to a 140kW electric motor on the front axle.

Above and below: Teaser images of the SsangYong Korando e-Motion released in July 2020.

Korean government certification documents report an all-electric driving range according to local testing procedures of 306km – nearly 25 per cent less than a 64kWh Hyundai Kona Electric's 406km claim on the same test cycle, translating to a 'real-world' figure per Europe's WLTP regulations of around 365km.

A heat pump will be on hand to help minimise the amount of range lost in cold-weather conditions, while an aluminium bonnet promises to shave weight.

The 2021 SsangYong Korando e-Motion electric mid-size SUV has now entered production in Korea, with the first examples slated to reach Europe in August. More details of the model's styling, powertrain and pricing will be revealed over the next two months – stay tuned to CarAdvice for all the latest.

An Australian launch has yet to be confirmed, however, with SsangYong's Australian arm reiterating to CarAdvice this earlier confirmation that the model is "under consideration" for a local launch.

"As a global vehicle, the E100 was developed and tested in various environments including Australia's harsh and unpredictable climate. SsangYong Australia chief operating officer Chris Mandile is enthusiastic about the new vehicle and its potential for induction into the local portfolio," the brand said in a statement in July 2020.

More electric vehicles from SsangYong are on the way, including an electric medium to large SUV codenamed J100, and an electric ute.

The arrival of SsangYong's first electric vehicle comes as it continues to work through financial struggles, with the Korean marque most recently filing for bankruptcy in December 2020.

However, no changes are planned for its Australian operation, a spokesperson for the brand stating in late 2020 “SsangYong Motor company – including the Australian subsidiary – remains fully operational, business as usual”.

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