Budget SUV maker Ssangyong has bold ambitions for the future. It’s shown off a fancy-looking e-XIV crossover concept that features range extender technology and solar panels on its roof.
The e-XIV, which stands for electric eXciting user Interface Vehicle (no, seriously), uses the same electric propulsion systems seen in the company’s KEV1 and KEV2 electric concepts. However when its batteries go flat, a 1-litre 2-cylinder petrol-powered engine kicks in to provide more juice.
In electric only mode, the car’s 16kWh battery pack provides an 80km driving range with a full recharge taking 4 hours from standard outlets or 2 hours from high-powered fast chargers. Once onboard electricity is exhausted, the petrol engine fires up to provide a total driving range of 600km.
Ssangyong reckons the system allows for CO2 emissions of just 45g/km. Top speed is expected to be in the region of 150kmh.
As an added eco flourish, the Ssangyong e-XIV features a solar panel on its glass roof. The 12 solar cells harvest power from the sun and generate enough electricity to power the car’s auxiliary systems – air con, stereo, cabin lights etc. – while also adding a dose of futuristic badassery.
Of course, the likelihood of Ssangyong actually building the e-XIV in this guise are relatively slim. The main purpose of the thing is to show the world the company is capable of building attractive motors with futuristic technology. If the car’s styling goes down well with the public — and there’s no reason it won’t as it’s pretty attractive for a Ssangyong — there’s every likelihood future models will be feature similar styling.
Leave a Reply