BYD to electrify SsangYong

KG MOBILITY, still known as SsangYong in Australia, has expanded its strategic partnership with BYD after using the Chinese brand’s batteries in its recently released Torres EVX electric SUV, a statement has revealed.

Now the world’s second-largest battery manufacturer and existing supplier to powerhouse brands like Tesla, BYD will provide KG Mobility with battery packs for use in its upcoming electric models – the first of which will be a BEV pick-up.

The two companies also announced plans to jointly develop “next-generation hybrid systems”, expected to appear in a Torres-based hybrid model by 2025.

"KG Mobility embarked on a journey of change and development as a mobility company by changing its name last March,” said KG Mobility chairman, Kwak Jae-seon.

"We anticipate that this expanded cooperation with BYD will strengthen our electric vehicle line-up, including the Torres EVX, KR10, and F100, while reorganising our product range to focus on eco-friendly vehicles.”

KG Mobility revealed three electric concepts at the Seoul Motor Show in March this year, with two wagons and a pick-up teased, but it is the tray-back that will hit roads in South Korea first.

If it does reach our shores the KG Mobility pick-up, or ‘ute’, is not expected to rival other incoming electric 4x4 utes like the Ford F-150 Lightning with serious productivity potential, because it will be based on the Torres EVX SUV platform.

This comes as BYD also prepares to release an electric ute in Australia, first coming as a hybrid and later as a BEV, with a whopping 20,000 people reportedly registering their interest through local importer EVDirect.

Details of the BYD ute are also vague, however it is already being tested Down Under and is set to hit showrooms next year – no doubt undercutting competitor options as has been the case so far with BYD models. 

Meanwhile, SsangYong sales in Australia are up 29 per cent to the end of September, suggesting a clear push with models like the Musso dual-cab ute proving popular with its sub-$50,000 price point.

Zero-emission models, particularly an electric ute given Australia’s insatiable appetite for both BEVs and trays, could further bolster SsangYong’s position in a market the brand has traditionally struggled in.

“By expanding the line-up of eco-friendly vehicles through cooperation with BYD for the joint development of next-generation hybrids, KG Mobility has laid a strong foundation for more stable growth,” said Mr Jae-seon.

“This collaboration is especially significant as it allows us to secure future competitiveness by ensuring a stable supply of core components and developing new vehicles with cutting-edge electrical/electronic integration technologies.”