Hyundai Motor unveils design of commercial EV platform

Hyundai Motor Co. unveiled the design of its first commercial electric vehicle (EV) platform ST1 on Thursday.

ST1 is a commercial platform based on a chassis cap that can be expanded into various forms depending on its purpose of the utilizing. 

The Chassis cap is a vehicle that consists only of the frame and passenger compartment. 

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

Hyundai Motor plans to accelerate the electrification of commercial models following the development of the ST1.

The exterior design of the ST1, as a commercial vehicle, has been completed with consideration for safety and practicality.

The front end is designed with about half of the hood protruding forward from the cap (passenger compartment). This is intended to increase stability by absorbing impacts in the event of a collision.

The black protective guards have been applied to areas prone to scratching, such as the front bumper, side door garnish, and rear door frame.

The ground clearance has been lowered to maximize cargo capacity while enabling easy access to underground parking lots.

Hyundai Motor also said that workers can easily load and unload cargo. Furthermore, the application of a streamlined roof spoiler connects the cap and cargo compartment seamlessly, enhancing aerodynamic performance.

The ST1's flagship lineup includes cargo and refrigerated cargo models, developed first.

These models are specialized for logistics and delivery businesses, equipped with general-purpose and refrigerated cargo compartments on the chassis cap.

Hyundai Motor explained that during the initial development stage of the ST1, it identified customer requirements from domestic distribution companies and developed the most suitable vehicles for logistics and delivery businesses by deploying sample vehicles in advance.

Hyundai Motor plans to disclose the main specifications, performance, and price of the ST1 in the first half of this year and introduce the cargo and refrigerated cargo models of the ST1 in the domestic market.

Write to Jin-Won Kim at jin1@hankyung.com