Ssangyong reveals range-extender SUV
27 September 2012
- Ssangyong shows range-extender concept in Paris
- Is a supermini-sized crossover called the e-XIV
- Capable of 50 miles on electric power alone
Ssangyong has revealed an electric range-extender concept car at the Paris motor show.
The e-XIV is powered by an electric motor, and uses a small petrol engine to act as a back-up charger in the same manner as the Chevrolet Volt and Vauxhall Ampera.
A set of roof-mounted solar panels helps provide power for the air-conditioning, audio and internal lighting systems.
The engine is a 1.0-litre, two-cylinder unit and boosts the overall range to 373 miles. It is claimed the e-XIV can do 50 miles on electric power alone.
Ssangyong says that the battery takes four hours to recharge from flat but a quick charge takes just 20 minutes and give a range of 37 miles – 75% of its capacity.
This level of efficiency means that Ssangyong claims the e-XIV can offer an official CO2 figure of just 45g/km. The car's top speed is 93mph.
This is the third version of the small crossover concept car that has appeared at motor shows. The first XIV was a hard-top crossover and appeared at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show.
Ssangyong then displayed the convertible XIV-2 at the Geneva motor show earlier this year. It is expected to produce a production version of the small Nissan Juke rival in 2014. It is likely to be launched with a selection of conventional engines, and a range-extender could follow later.
By Tom Webster
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