Renault Samsung Motors has launched an updated SM3 ZE (zero emissions or full EV) at the Daegu International Future Auto Expo in South Korea.
The model first appeared in 2013.
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Gilles Normand, head of electric vehicles for Renault, claimed it was Europe’s top EV brand and market pioneer and was “in the process of introducing second generation versions of its electric vehicles”.
“As laid out in our Drive the Future plan, this process will enable Groupe Renault to strengthen its geographical and segment coverage and foster a step-up in the electric vehicle market,” he added.
Range of the SM3 ZE – the Korean EV market’s only three-box saloon – has been increased 57% to 213 kilometres based on the Korean type approval cycle.
Battery power has been boosted to 36kWh with no increase in weight and, with the average daily trip in South Korea 40km (25 miles) in 2016 according to a Korean Transportation Safety Authority (KOTSA) report, the latest EV is capable of running for approximately five days on a single charge.
The model is a popular choice for state run fleets and taxi operators. South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare bought 1,200 cars last April and the ZE is also popular as an EV taxi in Seoul, Daegu and Jeju Island.
