Hyundai’s growing range of Ioniq-branded electric vehicles may get attention, but the company’s EV efforts extend beyond passenger cars.
The company is introducing its Mighty electric truck – such a modest name! – towards the middle of 2023. Pricing and final specifications will be confirmed closer to launch.
Instead of being handled by Hyundai Trucks Australia, the sole importer of diesel-powered commercial vehicles for the Korean automaker, the Mighty will be imported and distributed by Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA).
Mighty 
Xcient
HMCA has also said it is studying the long-haul, heavy-load Xcient Fuel Cell hydrogen-powered prime mover for a potential trial in Australia. It’s currently being used on roads in Switzerland and California.
The Mighty has a 114.5kWh battery and an estimated laden range of approximately 240km, which Hyundai says makes it “ideal” for metropolitan and last-mile deliveries.
It’s powered by a traction motor with 120kW of power and 320Nm of torque.
The Mighty will be available in a single 7300kg GVM variant, in 4×2 configuration with a 3300mm wheelbase.
It will be available with either a bare cab-chassis, a tray, or pantech (regular or refrigerated) versions, with a tipper variant under study.
It’s classed as a Light Duty Heavy Truck (3501-8000kg GVM) and has an approximate cargo capacity of between one and 3.5 tonnes, depending on the variant and upper body specification.
Standard safety equipment includes autonomous emergency braking, lane-departure warning, electronic stability control and an electronic air brake system.
Hyundai says that each Mighty will have a “disproportionately large” impact on total emissions reduction, as heavy vehicles make up only four per cent of the national vehicle fleet yet account for 25 per cent of all vehicle emissions in Australia.
Globally, the company wants to be carbon neutral in products and operations by 2045.
Mighty specifications are as follows:
- Chassis mass: 3250kg
- GVM: 7300kg
- Payload: 3500kg
- Front axle capacity: 2300kg
- Rear axle capacity: 5000kg
- Length: 6140mm
- Wheelbase: 3300mm
- Width: 2100mm
- Height: 2865mm
- Turning circle: 13.6m
- Suspension: Multi leaf springs/tapered leaf springs (front), multi leaf springs (rear)
Hyundai’s not the only familiar brand launching electric trucks, with Volvo Trucks Australia introducing its FL and FE Electric medium-duty models.
Australian company SEA Electric has been producing vehicles locally since 2017, swapping Hino diesel trucks’ drivelines with its patented SEA-Drive Power System.
