Hyundai unveils the ST1, its first electric performance car with futuristic styling

Top South Korean car manufacturer Hyundai Motor Co. said Wednesday it is launching the ST1, its first fully electric vehicle that can be converted for a variety of commercial purposes.

The Hyundai ST1 is the first Korean commercial vehicle engine with an initial line-up of a conventional cargo van, a refrigerated van and a basic chassis cab – all designed to meet the needs of small businesses for transport and logistics.

One of Hyundai’s software-defined vehicles (SDVs), the ST1 can be adapted to a variety of special models such as police vehicles, emergency rescue vehicles, camper vans, electric bicycle charging vehicles, smart phone farms and pet care stores, the company said. .

Hyundai said it has worked with local delivery companies, including CJ Logistics Co., Lotte Group and Kurly Inc. to find out what they need from a work vehicle.

Hyundai unveiled the ST1 commercial EV platform design last month as it aims to strengthen its EV leadership from electric passenger vehicles to commercial vehicles.

The ST1 has a front-end design derived from Hyundai’s Stara minivan or KONA crossover.

ST1 stands for Service Type 1 with the number 1 indicating that it is the first instance of the platform.

VARIOUS FEATURES OF THE SOFTWARE

The Hyundai ST1 features Plug & Play technology, allowing users to create different connections inside and outside the ST1 and use the vehicle’s power and communication data according to their business needs.

The automaker said it has used an open data API, or application programming interface, for the ST1 for the first time.

Through the system, ST1 can transmit real-time vehicle information, such as vehicle location, speed, ignition status and battery charge level as well as vehicle operation analysis data to customer computer systems.

The ST1 also has an Android-based infotainment system.

“ST1 is a business platform with various expansion possibilities,” said Chung Yoo-suk, head of Hyundai’s domestic vehicle business. “Hyundai will start with equipment and delivery, but the ST1 will be expanded into a multi-purpose platform in the future.”

The ST1 Cargo and ST1 Cargo Refrigerated models sit on a 76.1 kWh battery.

Cargo and Refined Cargo can run 317 km and 298 km on a single charge, respectively.

With the ultra-fast charging system, the car’s batteries can be charged from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes, according to Hyundai.

EASY TO LOAD AND DOWNLOAD

The company said it developed the ST1 with the intention of simplifying the loading and unloading of cargo by reducing the length of the trip.

The exterior of the ST1 is designed for safety and utility, with a half-bonnet design that protrudes forward from the cab for added space in the event of a collision. Hyundai added black protection to the front bumper, side skirts and tailgate trim, where scratches usually occur.

The company said the ST1 will enter the domestic market in the second half of this year and take it to the international market later.

Hyundai Motor CEO Chang Jae-hoon said last month that the company’s SDV push will begin in full this year.

SDVs, often referred to as smartphones on wheels, enable continuous and seamless improvement of vehicle performance through an air system throughout the life of the vehicle.

With the auto industry’s competition to win the market using hardware advancements nearing its limit, Hyundai has turned its attention to improving software such as in-vehicle information systems (IVI) and self-driving technology.

Hyundai’s sister company Kia Corp. it also plans to commercialize EVs with its customizable vehicles (PBVs).

Analysts said Hyundai and Kia will compete with Ford, Rivian, GM, and Stellantis, all of which are ramping up production of commercial EVs.

Write to Jin-Won Kim at jin1@hankyung.com
In-Soo Nam edited this article.