Hyundai, IVECO partner on electric LCV

HYUNDAI is set to debut the first production-ready vehicle from its global eLCV (electric Light Commercial Vehicle) platform for European markets in partnership with the IVECO Group – and it seems the Australian market is being studied for its introduction.

The eMoovy, as it is known to IVECO, or ST1, as it’s known to Hyundai, was shown at this week’s IAA Transportation 2024 event in Hannover, Germany and combines Hyundai’s EV cab-chassis platform with IVECO’s cargo compartment to offer urban delivery drivers up to 320km (WLTP) of all-electric range.

Equipped with an 800-volt power system familiar to large-segment Hyundai, Kia and Genesis models, the eMoovy/ST1 is said to provide 160kW/350Nm system output, and ultra-fast charging, taking just 10 minutes to provide an additional 100km of range.

Battery capacity is listed at 76.1kWh, with a battery management system shared with Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 and 6 range, and Genesis Electrified models. The eMoovy/ST1 further offers vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality to make it the ideal partner for trade and retail operators alike.

Speaking with GoAuto this week, a Hyundai Motor Company Australia spokesperson said, “Like all Hyundai products, the ST1 is being studied for its suitability for the Australian market. It is a vehicle we have been looking at very closely”.

Hyundai and IVECO say the model’s low-profile design makes it ideal for logistics and delivery operators, with low ground clearance to maximise cargo capacity and improve operator mobility.

“The eMoovy/ST1 represents a future-proof business platform that provides innovative solutions to customers as part of an industrial ecosystem,” the pair said in a statement.

The interior design of the eMoovy/ST1 is based on the Hyundai Staria Load and is equipped with a familiar layout, comparable convenience and technology features, and the latest safety equipment.

As standard, the eMoovy/ST1 includes various advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Prevention Assist and Parking Distance Warning.

“This innovative vehicle showcases Hyundai and IVECO’s shared commitment towards a carbon-neutral future,” said Hyundai Motor Company executive vice president and head of global commercial vehicle and hydrogen business Ken Ramirez.

“By leveraging Hyundai’s pioneering global eLCV platform, we aim to advance EV mobility technology with IVECO’s European expertise to position eMoovy/ST1 as the leading transport platform that can transform the market.”

The eMoovy/ST1 offers a low drag coefficient of 0.29 and provides a cargo area of 2462mm in length, 1810mm in width, and 1700mm in height (8.3m³). Total vehicle height is 2200mm while the step-in height is just 380mm.

The eMoovy is one of the first vehicles to come from a collaboration between Hyundai and IVECO stretching back to 2022.

The pair says that since that time, it has made “significant strides” in the creation of competitively priced, eco-friendly commercial vehicles, including with the IVECO eDaily FCEV, IVECO Bus E-Way H2, and a letter of intent signed earlier this year to being heavy-duty electric trucking solutions to Europe.

“The eMoovy is the first completely new vehicle born from our partnership with Hyundai, a testament to our shared commitment to zero-emission mobility,” said IVECO Group truck business unit president Luca Sra.

“With the eMoovy, we further expand our electric propulsion offerings, entering a new segment to provide our customers with a broader choice of effective solutions to support their energy transition and enhance their business operations.

“This launch represents a further step forward in our partnership, as we continue to leverage our respective know-how and advanced technologies to drive progress towards our shared objective of accelerating the transition to net zero carbon (emissions).”