Hyundai has revealed its electric business platform — or van — called ST1, saying that the platform can be converted into optimised forms to meet specific business needs.
It’s the first acknowledgement that Hyundai intends to expand its electric offering beyond passenger cars, with commercial vehicles expected to increase sales for the Korean manufacturer.
Much like its sister company’s offering, the Kia PBV, the ST1 — an abbreviation of Service Type 1 — can provide a variety of services and solutions, starting with cargo and cargo refrigeration models. The Cargo and Cargo Refrigeration models are specialised for logistics and delivery businesses, equipped with a loading box and a refrigerated loading box behind the chassis cab, respectively.
Hyundai is confident it knows what buyers want, with prototype vehicles already working in major domestic distribution businesses. The trials have allowed Hyundai to create customised solutions for logistics and delivery businesses.
Thoughtful Design
The ST1’s exterior was designed to enhance safety, practicality and performance.
The front has a semi-bonnet design that provides increased safety for all road users — about half of the bonnet protrudes forward from the cab, securing a collision space to absorb impact shock. Black-coloured protectors were applied to areas where scratches frequently occur, such as the front bumper, side garnish, and rear twin swing door rim, to protect the vehicle.
Ground clearance has been reduced, which benefits cargo volume as the box can be enlarged while also keeping the vehicle height low enough to access underground parking and other low-height areas. The low floor also means drivers can climb in and out of the van more easily.
Aerodynamic performance has been optimised, with the ST1 including a streamlined roof spoiler and a garnish that connects the cab and cargo compartment.
“ST1 is a business platform with a variety of expansion possibilities,” said a Hyundai Motor Company official. “Starting with a vehicle optimised for logistics and delivery business, we hope that it will be loved by many customers as it can be expanded into a platform tailored to various purposes in the future.”
Hyundai ST1: Price and Availability
Hyundai will reveal further details of the ST1, including specifications and pricing, later in the year. The van will go on sale first in South Korea, as cargo and refrigeration models, before expanding to other models and territories.
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