Hyundai Motor launches groundbreaking purpose-built EVs

Hyundai Motor launched its ST1 Cargo and Cargo refrigerated on Apr. 24. The ST1 is the company’s new business platform with various expansion possibilities. The industry’s competition for PBV (purpose-built vehicle) will be accelerated with the automotive manufacturer’s latest rollout.

The Hyundai ST1 Cargo and Cargo Refrigerated/Courtesy of Hyundai Motor

The ST1 vehicles Hyundai Motor unveiled are chassis cabs with basic features such as the driver’s seat. When equipped with a general cargo box and a refrigerated cargo box, it becomes a cargo and a cargo refrigerated, respectively. Primarily tailored for logistics and delivery needs, it offers adaptability for various purposes. Depending on requirements, it can be converted into a police operation vehicle, an emergency rescue unit, a camper, an electric bike charging vehicle, etc.

A frame of an ST1 chassis cab/Courtesy of Hyundai Motor

Despite Chinese companies making significant strides in the global electric vehicle (EV) market, they are struggling in the South Korean commercial EV sector. This is attributed to the Ministry of Environment’s reducing subsidies for Chinese-made electric vehicles utilizing lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries. According to data from the Korea Automobile & Mobility Association (KAMA), only 80 units were registered last month, marking a 60.6% decrease compared to the previous year’s figure of 203. In March 2022, 202 units were registered.

The automaker is expected to innovate the commercial EV market with the latest ST1-based vehicles. With high-performance batteries, logistics and delivery operations of the cars became more convenient. The ST1-based Cargo and Cargp Refrigerated Cargo are equipped with a 76.1 kWh battery. The range per charge is 317 kilometers for the cargo and 298 kilometers for the cargo refrigerated. Moreover, the company has implemented an ultra-fast charging system that delivers 350 kW of power. This cutting-edge technology enables the battery to charge from 10% to 80% of its capacity in just 20 minutes.

The vehicles also boast remarkable energy efficiency, consuming only 3.6 km/kWh for the cargo model and 3.4 km/kWh for the refrigerated.

In addition, the ST1 vehicles come equipped with a host of cutting-edge technologies. One notable feature is its open API (Application Programming Interface) data system, allowing customers and partners to exchange data with the vehicle freely. This data can be leveraged for various purposes, including app development, enabling customers to access real-time information about the vehicle’s operation.

A cargo box inside of the ST1 Cargo Refrigerated /Courtesy of Hyundai Motor

“The ST1 represents Hyundai Motor’s innovative electrified business platform vehicle,” stated Chung Yoo-suk, head of Hyundai’s domestic vehicle business. “We are excited to offer our customers tailored devices and software designed to optimize their business operations. We aim to provide a pleasant travel experience and contribute to their businesses’ success.”