Korean startups make cheap electric cars
A model poses with the Daechang Motors Danigo electric vehicle. / Courtesy of Daechang Motors
By Jhoo Dong-chan
The nation’s startups are obtaining government approval for their cheap electric vehicle (EV) models, gearing up to expand their presence in the eco-friendly car market.
Their EV models are eligible for a government subsidy of up to 10 million won ($9,174) so consumers can buy them for less than 5 million won.
According to sources, the Daechang Motors Danigo EV and Semisysco D2 mini EV have completed environment and transport ministry certification. Both startups are receiving pre-orders for their vehicles.
Daechang Motors first introduced its Danigo EV in October at the Korea Automotive Industry Exhibition at KINTEX in Ilsan, Gyeonggi Province.
“The company developed the Danigo mini EV over the last three years, and has now completed all preparations for its debut,” Daechang Motors CEO Oh Chung-gi was quoted as saying.
“Following its Jincheon production plants in North Chungcheong Province, Daechang Motors will build another one in Daegu while establishing its service center network across the country.”
The Danigo EV mounts a 7.2-kilowatt LG Chem lithium-ion battery, and the North Chungcheong Province-based startup said it can travel 100 kilometers when fully charged.
It features air conditioning and power windows as basic options. The hill-start assist control system is also applied in the EV model.
Considering the nation’s street environment, it also features a rear-view parking camera as a basic option while the anti-lock brake system and airbags are optional.
“The Danigo EV will compete with the Renault Samsung Twizy EV in the market,” a Daechang Motors official said.
“Daechang Motors’ Daegu plants will play a pivotal role in the upcoming battle against imported mini EVs with its price competitiveness.”
Under Oh’s leadership, Daechang Motors first entered the market with its electric delivery cart by supplying them for Korea Yakult sellers in 2013.
It also sold 700 electric carts for senior citizens in the U.S. last year, and Oh said it will soon land in the European market.
“An increasing number of European people drive mini EVs now,” Oh said.
“We studied shortcomings of existing EV models in the European market, and recently started a joint operation with a global trading company for its debut in the market.”
Daechang Motors CEO Oh Chung-gi, right, poses with TMON Chief Strategy Officer Han Jae-young during an MOU ceremony for the social commerce's exclusive sales right at the TMON head office in Seoul, Nov. 16. / Courtesy of TMON
The nation’s other startup Semisysco also completed an approval process with the government for the D2 mini EV model. The firm is in charge of import and distribution operations in Korea for Chinese EV maker Zhi Dou’s D2 EV, and the model will be sold by the end of this month.
The D2 mini EV proved its market competitiveness when Zhi Dou sold more than 3,000 cars in the European market this year.
Semisysco said it is discussing possible domestic production for the model with the Chinese EV maker.
The D2 EV mounts 17.3-kilowatt lithium-polymer battery that can travel maximum 150 kilometers when fully charged.
In a bid to attract young motorists, it features cute eye-shaped LED headlamps with enlarged air intake in the front. Various color choices are also given to consumers.
It also offers a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system that offers navigation and rearview parking assistance.
The Zhi Dou D2 EV / Courtesy of Semisysco