FYI: Hyundai is exploring the electric pickup market, analyzing the Tesla Cybertruck to develop its own range extender model, potentially boosting its presence in the U.S. market.
Hyundai Steps Up Electric Pickup Game: Teardown of Tesla Cybertruck to Fuel New Developments
South Korean automaker Hyundai has set its sights on the booming electric pickup truck market, reportedly dismantling a Tesla Cybertruck at its Namyang Research Center to gain key insights. The move marks a significant step as Hyundai gears up to launch its own full-size electric pickup, which could feature a range extender powertrain.
Hyundai’s New Strategy in the U.S. Pickup Market
Over the past decade and a half, Hyundai has undergone a remarkable transformation, moving from being perceived as a budget-friendly option to a reputable automaker with vehicles that stand on their own merits. Despite its success, the company has struggled to make a significant impact in the U.S. pickup market. Currently, its only representative in the segment is the Hyundai Santa Cruz. Though praised for its features, it hasn’t captured a massive market share.
Teardown Insights and Development
Reports from Korea’s Naver News suggest that Hyundai began dismantling a Tesla Cybertruck on July 13 and completed the process by July 28. This teardown is aimed at speeding up the development of Hyundai’s new electric pickup. Although Hyundai has yet to officially confirm its plans, there are strong indications that this new vehicle could be a range extender (EREV) or at least offer an extended-range powertrain option.
Extended-Range Powertrain: A Game-Changer?
The goal for Hyundai is ambitious: to sell 50,000 units of range extenders by 2029, with the new electric pickup acting as a key player in achieving this target. A range extender truck offers significant advantages, particularly for towing and long-distance travel. Unlike pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs), an EREV combines the benefits of an electric motor’s torque with the convenience of a quick refuel at gas stations.
Here’s why this matters:
- Towing Capacity: Current electric trucks show impressive pulling power, but towing heavy loads significantly reduces their range.
- Convenience: An EREV’s additional gas generator allows for longer distances without the need for frequent charging stops.
- Emissions: Even with a smaller battery, an EREV can provide substantial emissions-free miles between gas fill-ups.
Kia’s Parallel Plans
Kia, Hyundai’s sister company, also seems to be eyeing the electric pickup market. With the same sales targets for extended-range electric vehicles, it’s likely that Kia will develop its own version of the pickup. Though details are sparse, the push towards electric pickups aligns with Kia’s previous announcements about producing two electric trucks, even though no specific launch dates were revealed.
Targets and Challenges
One of the critical targets for Hyundai’s upcoming truck is to offer a range exceeding 250 miles while towing up to 8,800 pounds. Achieving such performance with current battery technology would require an enormous battery pack, making an extended-range model a more feasible option.
Competitive Benchmarking
As Hyundai aims to penetrate the American market, understanding the factors behind the success of the top three best-selling pickups is crucial. Hence, the choice to analyze a Tesla Cybertruck, currently a high-profile entrant in the market, makes sense. It’s likely that Hyundai has also taken apart other successful trucks, though these efforts haven’t been as publicly disclosed.
The Broader Market
The extended-range concept isn’t exclusive to Hyundai. The Ram 1500 Ramcharger, expected to be the first EREV truck, will feature a 92 kWh battery that provides 141 miles of electric driving before its V6 generator kicks in. It promises a combined range of 690 miles on a full charge and tank. As the Ramcharger moves closer to release, Hyundai and Kia will undoubtedly keep an eye on its performance and market reception.
Conclusion
Hyundai’s ambitious push into the electric pickup market, marked by the teardown of a Tesla Cybertruck, signifies a strategic pivot aimed at capitalizing on growing U.S. market demand. By potentially offering a range extender truck, Hyundai sets to combine the best of both worlds—electric efficiency and extended range. With similar plans in the pipeline for Kia, the companies are clearly set on making a robust entry into a highly competitive segment.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
