Paris motor show 2012: SsangYong e-XIV concept

SsangYong has unveiled its e-XIV electric car concept at the Paris motor show.

The B-segment crossover concept adopts a range-extender drivetrain, combining a small petrol engine with 16kWh lithium-ion batteries and a 107bhp electric motor. The concept’s glass roof incorporates solar cell panels, used to provide additional energy for interior systems rather than the car’s drivetrain.

The range-extending petrol engine is a two cylinder, normally aspirated 1000cc unit (developed in-house), supplying a 27bhp generator. The electric drivetrain is capable of an 80km range from a four-hour full charge, or 60km from a 20-minute quick-charge cycle. Electric motor technology has been supplied by Reva (who brought  us the G-Wiz), which, like SsangYong, is owned by Mahindra.

Total range is cited as 600km, with emissions of 45g/km of CO2  when the engine is in use.

The new design study is the latest variant of SsangYong’s XIV series of concepts and appears broadly similar to the XIV-2 concept displayed earlier this year at the Geneva motor show.

Inside, there are four bucket seats, carbon fibre touches and mobile communications technology also seen in the XIV1 and XIV2 concepts.

The e-XIV name stands for Electric Exciting user-Interface Vehicle. A production model is planned, which would sit below the Ssangyong Korando SUV in the company’s line-up. A 2014 launch is likely for the production model, which will share its new SsangYong-designed platform with Mahindra. A development of the range-extended electric powertrain is planned for the production car, alongside new 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines currently being designed by SsangYong.

Left-hand-drive only will be available from launch, with a right-hand-drive version arriving around six months later.

James Taylor/Richard Webber