Renault Samsung SM3 Z.E. gains 36-kWh battery for 2018
The 2018 Renault Samsung SM3 Z.E. sedan for South Korea swaps its 22-kWh battery for a 36-kWh pack, extending range by over half without adding weight.
Renault Samsung has updated its SM3 Z.E. electric saloon for the 2018 model year, fitting a new 36-kWh battery in place of the outgoing 22-kWh unit. The change increases the official range to 213 kilometres on the Korean approval cycle, a 57 percent improvement over the previous version, while maintaining the same weight and packaging as before.
The SM3 Z.E. is produced at Renault Samsung’s Busan plant and continues to serve the South Korean market, where it has outlived its European Fluence Z.E. counterpart. The new battery fits in the same space as the old pack, ensuring no compromise on boot capacity or weight distribution. According to Renault Samsung, this allows the upgraded model to deliver the extended range without affecting handling or practicality.
The company presented the 2018 SM3 Z.E. at the Daegu International Future Auto Expo, highlighting the relevance of the upgrade for Korean buyers. The Korean Transportation Safety Authority reported that the average daily driving distance in the country was 40 kilometres in 2016, meaning the new SM3 Z.E. could theoretically go up to five days between charges under typical use.
Battery upgrade and range in context
The 14-kWh increase in battery capacity brings the SM3 Z.E. closer to rivals in the compact electric saloon segment. While the car’s platform dates back to the original Renault Fluence, the battery upgrade ensures the model remains competitive for fleet buyers and taxi operators in South Korea, where charging infrastructure is still developing.
Renault Samsung’s decision to keep weight unchanged avoids the performance and efficiency penalties that often come with larger battery packs. The upgrade is aimed at extending the car’s relevance in a market where electric vehicle range remains a key concern for private and fleet customers alike.
SM3 Z.E. in Renault’s electric line-up
The SM3 Z.E. continues to play a role in Renault’s global electric portfolio, especially in markets where the Fluence-based saloon remains in demand. The update follows similar moves elsewhere in the Renault electric range, such as the Renault Zoe’s own battery upgrades. For more on Renault’s European electric strategy, see2018 Renault Zoe Arrives with Feistier Engine to Keep European EV Supremacy.
