SM3 ZE, Renault Samsung Motors’ full-electric sedan, is turning out to be Korea’s most popular electric vehicle. Cumulative sales of the SM3 ZE (also known as Fluence ZE), which was launched in Korea in November 2013, have reached 1,767 units. Of this, 1,043 units were sold in 2015. Today, one out of three EVs in the country is an SM3 Z.E which is manufactured in RSM’s Busan plant.
RSM says it has reinforced its aftersales network by placing EV pilots in 16 cities, expanding EV aftersales centres to 226 locations and additionally establishing a battery repair centre in Jeju Island.
In Korea, incentives to buy an EV include an average 20 million KRW subsidy (Rs 1.10 lakh), one free charger, as well as reduced parking costs and congestion charge.
The RSM SM3 ZE was selected as both Korea’s official government vehicle and Seoul EV taxi last year. This year, RSM has provided more than 100 EV taxis (including 60 for Seoul city), introduced a taxi battery management service in Jeju, and is setting up additional mid-speed chargers near taxi garages and drivers’ cafeterias.