The SsangYong e-Motion 160 is a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor integrated into a single-speed reduction gearbox, producing 115 kW (156 PS) and 360 Nm of torque. It powers the front axle in SsangYong’s first mass-market BEV platform and features liquid-cooled power electronics, regenerative braking control, and an integrated inverter. Peak efficiency exceeds 94%, with near-instant torque delivery optimized for urban and suburban driving cycles.
Fitted exclusively to the Korando e-Motion SUV, the e-Motion 160 was engineered for responsive city mobility and moderate-range commuting. Emissions compliance is inherent to its zero-tailpipe design, and it meets EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval ( WVTA ) requirements under Euro 6d-equivalent BEV certification frameworks. The system includes a 61.5 kWh lithium-ion NMC battery (not part of the motor unit) managed via SsangYong’s proprietary BMS.
One documented concern is intermittent inverter thermal derating under sustained high-load conditions in hot climates, highlighted in SsangYong Service Bulletin EV‑02‑2023. This issue stems from marginal airflow across the inverter heat exchanger in early production batches. From Q3 2023, revised ducting and updated thermal management logic were introduced to improve cooling efficiency.
All production years (2021–2025) meet EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval standards for BEVs (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/WVTA/SYEV21).
The SsangYong e-Motion 160 is a 115 kW permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor engineered for compact SUV applications (2021–2025). It combines liquid-cooled power electronics with a single-speed reduction gearbox to deliver instant torque and smooth urban drivability. Designed to meet EU BEV certification standards, it balances performance with energy efficiency and serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Motor type | Permanent-magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) | |
| Peak power | 115 kW (156 PS) | |
| Peak torque | 360 Nm (0–3,000 rpm) | |
| Gearbox | Single-speed reduction (ratio 9.03:1) | |
| Cooling system | Liquid-cooled (separate circuit for motor and inverter) | |
| Inverter | Integrated IGBT-based inverter (400 V system) | |
| Regenerative braking | 3-level regen with coasting recuperation | |
| Drive type | Front-wheel drive (FWD) | |
| Peak efficiency | >94% | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg (motor + gearbox assembly) | |
| Voltage system | 400 V nominal | |
| IP rating | IP67 (motor and inverter housing) | |
| Control protocol | CAN FD (500 kbps) | |
| Emissions standard | Zero tailpipe emissions (BEV) | |
| Service interval | No scheduled motor maintenance; coolant flush every 120,000 km |
The e-Motion 160 delivers immediate torque ideal for urban driving but requires periodic inspection of the inverter coolant circuit to prevent thermal derating. Early units (2021–mid-2023) are prone to inverter overheating in sustained high-load scenarios (e.g., mountain driving in >35°C ambient); owners should monitor for power reduction warnings. The single-speed gearbox is maintenance-free but sensitive to incorrect wheel alignment or tire diameter mismatches, which can induce driveline shudder. Coolant must be replaced every 120,000 km using SsangYong-approved EV coolant (Part No. 90182345) to maintain thermal performance. Revised thermal ducting from Q3 2023 mitigates overheating per SIB EV‑02‑2023.
Emissions: Zero tailpipe emissions certified under EU Whole Vehicle Type Approval (VCA Type Approval #VCA/WVTA/SYEV21).
Coolant Specs: Requires SsangYong EV Coolant (G12++ equivalent, non-conductive) per Owner Manual 2022. Standard ethylene glycol coolants are prohibited.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 18488:2018 (electric road vehicle drive cycles). Output verified on Korando e-Motion (2022) per SsangYong PT‑2024.
SsangYong Technical Information System (TIS): Docs EV‑2021, SY‑KOR‑EV01
SsangYong Service Bulletin EV‑02‑2023
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/WVTA/SYEV21)
ISO 18488:2018 Electric vehicle drive cycle standards
The SsangYong e-Motion 160 was used exclusively in SsangYong's Korando e-Motion platform with transverse front-wheel-drive mounting and no external licensing. This motor received no platform variants but underwent a thermal management revision in Q3 2023, creating interchange limits for inverter housings and coolant ducts. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the motor ID plate on the side of the inverter housing near the high-voltage connector (SsangYong TIS EV‑2021). The 7th VIN digit is 'E' for electric variants. Early units (2021–mid-2023) have a black inverter cover with part number 098765400A; post-Q3-2023 units use a grey cover (098765400B) with improved airflow fins. Critical differentiation: e-Motion 160 is FWD only—no AWD or rear-motor variants exist. Inverter assemblies are not interchangeable between pre- and post-2023 builds due to thermal duct geometry changes (SsangYong SIB EV‑02‑2023).
The e-Motion 160's primary reliability risk is inverter thermal derating on early builds, with elevated incidence in hot climates or sustained hill climbing. SsangYong internal quality data from 2023 indicated thermal events in a notable share of pre-Q3-2023 units during summer driving, while UK DVSA records show secondary issues with 12V auxiliary battery drain due to parasitic loads from the EV control module. Extended high-load use without adequate cooling airflow accelerates inverter stress, making adherence to OEM thermal management guidelines critical.
Analysis derived from SsangYong technical bulletins (2021–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2022–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about SSANGYONG E-MOTION-160.
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