Renault Samsung Motors has announced that it will develop a 1-ton electric light commercial vehicle to support its eco-friendly policy. It will form a consortium with small local companies for the development of the truck that can travel 250 kilometers on a single charge, for the first time in the world. It also plans to develop electric light commercial vehicle platforms and domestically produce components.
Renault Samsung Motors had been developing passenger electric cars for a few years and it said that it has so far sold about 2,000 units of the SM3 compact electric cars. The company will partner with small and mid-size companies with technologies in the electric commercial vehicle battery, driving system and related components. The vehicle could be used to deliver goods within Seoul and other areas.
Renault Samsung’s electric light commercial vehicle is said to release in about three to four years.
Regarding the announcement, Renault Samsung official said:
Until now, the development of electric vehicles (EVs) and EV components has been focused on mainly passenger cars. However, commercial vehicles have been considered the next-generation EV market as they are limited to operation purposes, including driving distance per day and freight transportation. In particular, electric commercial vehicles are emerging as a potential alternative which can solve air pollution problems caused by older commercial cars running cities.