The future of electric vans has just got a whole lot more interesting as Hyundai and Iveco Group have announced a brand new partnership.
The collaboration will see Hyundai give Iveco access to its Global eLCV platform, enabling the Italian manufacturer to step away from producing variants based on the Iveco eDaily panel van.
This isn't your average badge-engineered job, though. This new van will be built on Hyundai's cutting-edge Global eLCV platform, specifically designed for commercial vehicles in the 2.5- to 3.5-tonne range. Think low-floor design for easy loading, next-gen battery tech for extended range, and all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a modern electric warrior.
If you take a look at Kia's annoucemnet of their new van range, you might get a little insight into the direction this product could be heading - but that's just a guess.
Hyundai will be taking care of manufacturing and supplying the base, while Iveco Group will adapt it and make it suitable for a European audience.
Luca Sra, President, Truck Business Unit, Iveco Group, said, “The unique partnership between Iveco Group and Hyundai Motor Company is making another significant step forward. The introduction of this new all-electric vehicle is particularly exciting for the European market, where urban and suburban distribution and delivery are crucial missions for logistics operators. We are confident that this agreement will not only strengthen our product offering but will also deepen our relationship with Hyundai, paving the way for continued collaborative projects that advance a more sustainable society.”
Mark your calendars for the IAA Transportation 2024 happening in September this year. That's when Iveco will officially unveil its new electric van, based on Hyundai's platform in Hannover.
This partnership is a big deal, especially as rumours of Hyundai purchasing Iveco Group have been circulating for years. This marks the first joint venture together, but the Hyundai portfolio extends beyond LCVs with a wide range of trucks and other specialist equipment on offer. Could this be the beginning of more future projects?
Hyundai hasn't had any significant intentions in the van market since they showed the Hyundai H350 van more than 10 years ago. The next installment in the Hyundai LCV story, however, is the launch of the Hyundai ST1 van, customisable new EV for all businesses. It will launch as a Cargo and Cargo Refrigerated and it likely to use a similar skateboard platform found in the Kia PV5 vans.
