Hyundai Australia says it sees potential for an electric vehicle here, at least for some.
The company has also called on the Albanese government’s upcoming National Electric Vehicle Strategy to look at ways to encourage the availability of appropriately sized EV pickups for local buyers.
Although not confirmed in any way to confirm an EV has been developed, Hyundai Australia CEO John Kett told CarExpert last week that the zero-emissions solution represents a huge opportunity for the brand here – among some, but not all, buyers.
“Expanding the pickup segment… has primary manufacturer demand, versus merchant demand, vs. [people] Using a pickup is almost a substitute for a full-size SUV, he said.
“And we think when we break those down, we really see an opportunity for an EV pickup. We really do. Not for the total market, but certainly for a significant portion of it.
“And I think what we’re seeing and what we’re seeing with other brands across the globe… you can really see the technology, the acceptable range, and certainly from the angle. Its level of performance and towing capacity, its utility was comparable to what it is today. “
The only confirmed EV for Australia is from China LDV eT60.
We have a strong feeling that Hyundai globally is working on an electric vehicle, according to recent quotes from Head of Customer Experience Thomas Schemera of Hyundai Motor Corporation.
In the photo: Render from Enoch Gabriel Gonzales took Hyundai’s design language and tweaked it to look like a high-spec dual-cab.
“I have had a lot of discussions with the Australian markets and I know that there is great demand for [a ute] And I really respect that. But to start developing vehicles on the basis of ICE makes no sense,” he said.
“In our long-range planning, we have many, many strategic plans. I would say we have a lot going on in development,” he said, asking about any plans for a product.
“Nothing has been confirmed yet. But I can imagine that there is a way to display and create such media, for example for Australia or for the US we will make that happen. “
Utes make up 20% of the local car market and Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger diesel are the two best-selling vehicles on the market.
Hyundai at this stage has nothing to compete with these initiators, respectively being more popular here than almost anywhere. The only product it offers is Santa Cruz is based on cars in the US.
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Santa Cruz
In the long term, there isn’t a whole lot of confirmation around how this important segment will electrify, other than the fact that it will probably work. first hybrid through Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton PHEVsand Next-generation HiLux hybrid confirmed.
Mr. Kett of Hyundai Australia said the company wanted to look into this obvious issue as the federal government was taking shape Its national electric vehicle strategyCurrently in the consultation paper stage.
“We can certainly see the uniqueness of the Australian pickup truck market and how that can be supported or at least encouraged to really accelerate the solution around pickups,” he said. Kett said.
In addition to a hypothetical EV, Hyundai also leader in hydrogen fuel cell powertrain alongside Toyota, and an FCEV pickup using technology from Nexo and a Hyundai Xcient truck is also a strong possibility on the track as an alternative.
THAN: Hyundai ‘excited’ at opportunity to shape Australia’s national electric driving plan
