In South Korea Renault has taken the wraps off a new Samsung-badged electric car.
The new SM3 Z.E. boasts a 57 per cent increase in range and is now able to travel 213km on a single charge.
This has been achieved through a more powerful 36kWh battery, but with no extra weight.
The SM3 debuted in 2013 while Samsung Motors is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Renault.
With the average daily trip 40km in South Korea, it means the new SM3 Z.E. can operate for up to five days on a single charge.
The company says the increase in range and a spacious cabin will meet the strong demand expressed by retail customers, state-run fleets and taxi operators.
In fact, the Korean Government purchased 1200 cars in April, while the model is also popular as taxi in Seoul, Daegu and Jeju Island.
Groupe Renault’s Gilles Normand explained the company is in the process of introducing second-generation versions of its EVs.
“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 said.
