Following the North American Santa Cruz, Hyundai is almost certainly developing a second ute that won’t use internal combustion engines.
Although nothing has been verified, Thomas Schemer, vice president of product and strategy at Hyundai, told Australia’s Drive website that “to start designing vehicles on an ICE [petrol or diesel-engine base] doesn’t make any sense.””
“I have had numerous conversations with the Australian market, and I am well aware that there is a sizable need for such [a ute]. In this case, we also have to shift our way of thinking and operating for the electric vehicle [EV].
The likelihood of a Hyundai ute competing with the Toyota Hilux and the recently updated Ford Ranger depends not only on a solid business case but also on the level of innovation the company can generate.
According to Schemer, “It’s also about being a pioneer, trying things out, generating trends, seeing the opportunities rather than just the hazards, and setting patterns.”
Additionally, to stand out from impending Utes from Hyundai’s sibling brand, Kia, distinction would be needed.
Early in 2022, Kia unveiled their 2030 road map.
While the other will serve as a “strategic model for new markets,” one will be an exclusively electric pickup truck.
On either Ute, the company is providing exactly zero details, but it may be based on the EV9 big SUV, which is slated to be the company’s flagship electric vehicle.
The EV9, with a 540km range, quick charging, and a five-second 0–100kph time, is anticipated in 2023.
Given that hauling may severely reduce driving ranges, hopefully Kia will add a little extra range to the ute (which, of course, goes for any vehicle, not just EVs).
Given the likelihood that Hyundai would utilize the applicable Kia ute as a starting point for its own model, the design will need to demonstrate originality. It may seem very impressive if it chooses to market it under the Ioni name.
perhaps the real CyberTrust?
