“After dissecting a Tesla Cybertruck, Hyundai is rumored to be developing a powerful electric pickup, slated for a 2029 debut. Is this the next big challenge to Tesla’s dominance?”
In a daring leap into the electric vehicle (EV) arena, Hyundai is reportedly gearing up to launch a large electric pickup truck that could go head-to-head with Tesla’s much-anticipated Cybertruck. This ambitious project follows a recent teardown of a Tesla Cybertruck at Hyundai’s Namyang Research Center in South Korea, signaling the automaker’s intent to learn from the best before making its own mark in the electric pickup market.
Over the past 15 years, Hyundai has transformed from a brand known for affordability to one that produces top-selling vehicles with strong market appeal. However, one segment remains elusive—the pickup truck market. Currently, Hyundai’s sole entry, the Santa Cruz, hasn’t achieved significant sales success. But it appears the South Korean giant is ready to take another shot, this time with a larger, more robust electric pickup.
In line with sources from Naver News, Hyundai’s dissection of the Cybertruck was completed by the end of July. The move hints at a strategic push to accelerate development in a segment dominated by American and Japanese giants.
Although Hyundai has yet to make an official announcement, insiders suggest that the new electric truck could include a unique hybrid powertrain option: a gasoline engine that doesn’t drive the wheels but instead recharges the battery, extending the vehicle’s range. Hyundai aims to sell 50,000 units of this engine-supported electric range extender vehicle (EREV), with the new pickup poised to play a crucial role in reaching that target. Kia, Hyundai’s sister brand, is also rumored to be developing a similar electric pickup with a comparable sales goal.
While the media has focused on the hybrid EREV version, the possibility of a fully electric version cannot be ruled out. Given the growing demand for pure electric vehicles (BEVs), Hyundai might also cater to customers who prefer to forego the gasoline engine entirely. Back in 2022, Kia announced plans for two electric pickup trucks but kept the launch timeline under wraps.
One of the primary goals for Hyundai’s new pickup is a driving range of over 400 km and a towing capacity of 4,000 kg. This might be achievable with the EREV setup, which allows for longer ranges without the massive battery packs required by a BEV. Given the limitations of current battery technology, a pure electric pickup meeting these specifications would require an extremely large battery, making the EREV approach a more practical solution for heavy-duty needs.
Designed with American consumers in mind, Hyundai’s new truck will likely incorporate features inspired by the top-selling pickups in the U.S. market. The company is reportedly studying the best-selling models to ensure their entry resonates with American buyers.
The decision to analyze the Tesla Cybertruck is telling, but it’s possible that Hyundai has also scrutinized other popular pickups without catching the media’s attention. American pickup owners often prioritize heavy towing capacity, and all-electric trucks have faced challenges in maintaining range under such conditions. While electric motors provide impressive towing power, diesel engines still outperform them for long-distance hauls.
A hybrid pickup with a gasoline engine to recharge the battery could be the answer to these challenges. While EREVs don’t offer the massive battery capacity of BEVs, they still provide impressive range and versatility, making them a compelling option for a broad range of consumers.
As the automotive world watches closely, Hyundai’s potential electric pickup could redefine the market, challenging the likes of Tesla and traditional pickup powerhouses. The race is on, and Hyundai seems ready to make a bold statement.
