2025.06.10 Hyundai Motor Company
Hyundai ST1: Empowering Dreams with a Trusted Partner
Two customers, two industries, one shared sentiment — a sincere appreciation for the Hyundai ST1.
The Hyundai ST1 is an Electric Business Mobility Platform, designed to provide tailored solutions for business customers while contributing to the development of a new industrial ecosystem. Accordingly, it places greater emphasis on user convenience than conventional commercial vehicles. The ST1 features a newly engineered low-floor platform—achieved through the reconfiguration of underbody components and suspension—which lowers the vehicle height by 70 mm. This design increases cargo space by reducing the floor height and raising the roofline.
The ST1 also offers exceptional versatility, making it well-suited for a wide range of business applications. It is available in four variants: Cargo and Cargo Refrigerated, both optimized for logistics and delivery; the High Roof Van, featuring an elevated cargo space; and the Chassis Cab, which enables flexible customization. Each model is thoughtfully engineered to meet specific business needs—empowering the ST1 to support the diverse ambitions of its customers. We met with two professionals who rely on the ST1 in their daily work: Kang Mi-hye, a delivery driver, and Moon Yong-gyu, a carpenter. Both shared how the ST1 has transformed their work experience.
A Reliable Solution for Delivery Professionals
Based in Daegu, Kang Mi-hye delivers a variety of packages to customers using her ST1 Cargo. Logistics and delivery services were a key focus area for Hyundai during the development of the ST1. What led her to choose the ST1 as her business vehicle?
“Most delivery vehicles were 1-ton box trucks when I first entered the business. However, since I mainly deliver to apartment complexes, I needed a vehicle that could easily access underground parking areas. I initially used a commercial van, but as my delivery volume increased, it became harder to manage everything efficiently. Completing deliveries in a single run became difficult, and at times, I even had to unload all the packages mid-route to reorganize. Around that time, I heard about the upcoming release of the ST1. I thought it would greatly support my work—and it truly has.”
Selecting the right vehicle for work requires careful consideration of practical, day-to-day needs. Kang approached the ST1 with this in mind. Accompanied by a Hyundai Car Master, she thoroughly test-drove the ST1 Cargo along her regular delivery routes to assess its practicality. “At first, the ST1 looked quite large, which made me a bit concerned,” she shared. “But I was relieved to see that it could easily access underground parking.” With its generous cargo space and urban-friendly design, the ST1 Cargo has become an indispensable asset in her delivery work.
The ST1 Cargo strikes a perfect balance in size. It features a spacious, elevated cargo area, yet its overall height remains just 2.23 meters—thanks to a newly developed low-floor platform optimized for freight. This thoughtful design enables the ST1 to access underground parking areas that are typically off-limits to bulkier trucks and other light commercial vehicles due to the common 2.3-meter height limit.
Kang also praised the ST1 Cargo’s user-friendly design. “Since I get in and out of the vehicle dozens of times a day, ease of access is very important. With the ST1 Cargo, stepping into the cargo area puts less pressure on my knees. I’m 170 cm tall, and I do not have to duck much when loading items—which makes a big difference in reducing neck strain.”
As Kang noted, the ST1 Cargo is purpose-built for efficient loading and transport. Its rear step has been lowered to just 380 mm, making entry and exit easier, while the 1,700 mm interior height allows most users to move comfortably without straining their back or neck. These thoughtful design details help reduce physical stress and fatigue for logistics professionals.
“I usually drive about 30 kilometers per delivery run, and compared to my previous gas-powered van, the ST1 has reduced my fuel expenses significantly,” Kang shared, expressing satisfaction with its cost efficiency. Parcel delivery routes often involve low speeds and frequent stops within short distances—conditions that favor electric vehicles, which use energy only when needed. The ST1 Cargo is equipped with a 76.1 kWh battery and offers a combined driving range of 317 kilometers on a single charge, easing concerns about running out of power during daily operations.
The ST1 Cargo is equipped with a range of advanced safety features designed to support safe operation during deliveries. One such feature is the Cargo Rear Collision Warning System, which uses ultrasonic sensors mounted on the upper rear of the cargo area to detect obstacles when reversing at low speeds. If a collision risk is detected, the system a-lerts the driver with audible warnings and messages on the instrument cluster. The ST1 Cargo also includes a Surround View Monitor, offering a 360-degree view around the vehicle, and a Blind-Spot View Monitor, which displays real-time footage of the indicated direction when the turn signal is activated—both enhancing driver confidence during tight urban maneuvers.
Furthermore, the ST1 Cargo is equipped with a range of smart features designed to enhance both convenience and security for delivery professionals. One such feature, Smart Drive Ready, uses multiple sensors—including a seat occupancy sensor—to detect the driver’s presence. When the driver enters the vehicle, the system automatically starts the engine and activates the navigation screen. When the driver exits, it shuts off the engine, streamlining start-stop operations during frequent stops. Another feature, Smart Walk-Away Lock, improves security by automatically closing and locking the cargo area's power sliding door when the driver, carrying the key fob, walks away from the vehicle. These features are especially valuable for drivers who repeatedly enter and exit their vehicles, helping to reduce physical strain and boost day-to-day efficiency.
Kang emphasized that “choosing the ST1 Cargo was an excellent decision,” and ad-ded:
“There are moments when I think I might have left the delivery business if it had not been for the ST1. It is not an easy job, but this vehicle has made everything significantly more manageable. As long as my health allows, I plan to continue—thanks to the ST1.”
The Perfect Mobile Workshop for a Carpenter
Moon Yong-gyu is a carpenter based in Ulsan who owns his own workshop and leads a team called Carpen Woodwork. From the Childcare Support Center in Ulju-gun, to classrooms, country homes, bakeries, and cafés, he has brought a wide variety of spaces to life with his craftsmanship. In some of these projects, the ST1 Cargo played a key supporting role. It serves not only as a convenient mode of transportation, but also as a mobile workshop that reliably provides power wherever it is needed. Moon noted that he was particularly impressed by the vehicle’s versatility.
“I used to drive a traditional gas-powered van, but the cargo space just was not enough. I considered getting a truck, but I wanted to avoid any risk of my work being exposed to rain. That is why I was excited about the release of the ST1 Cargo. It offers a tall, spacious, and covered cargo area—making it ideal for all-weather use and easy loading from inside my workshop.”
As Moon explained, the ST1 Cargo’s interior provides ample space for his work—measuring 2,642 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, and 1,700 mm in height. It easily accommodates raw materials, tools, and even completed pieces. Despite its generous cargo capacity, the ST1 Cargo is only 2,015 mm wide—just 20 mm wider than the Hyundai STARIA—making it easy to navigate into workshops, storage areas, and other narrow spaces.
Moon praised the ST1 Cargo’s V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) function, noting, “It has been incredibly helpful at sites where no power supply is available. Most of the places we work do have access to electricity, but not always. There are times when we have to keep working without it—and in those situations, the ST1’s V2L function truly makes a difference.”
This V2L feature—found in many of Hyundai Motor Group’s electrified models—greatly extends the vehicle’s utility. It delivers up to 3.6 kW of power silently, making it practical for both leisure use and field operations, as Moon experienced. Furthermore, the ST1 Cargo supports ultra-fast charging; with a 350kW charger, it can charge from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
Moon’s workshop also serves as a playground for his two children. Having discovered the joy of creating with his own hands through his father, he now passes that experience on—spending time building and making things together. “We sometimes ride in the ST1 Cargo or even decorate it together,” he said with a smile. “My kids really love cars.”
The ST1 Cargo delivers a comfortable ride with thoughtful interior features that go beyond the basics. Storage is ample, with a large center console and multiple roof trays. It also includes popular convenience features such as a built-in dashcam, after-blow system, ventilated seats, and wireless smartphone charging. Moon often listens to his favorite songs via his phone as he heads to job sites.
Moon also praised the ST1 Cargo’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and its comfortable ride. “Whenever I drive on the highway, I find features like Smart Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist especially useful,” he shared. “The ride is also much smoother compared to my previous vehicles, so even long-distance trips feel far less tiring.”
The ST1 Cargo comes equipped with a wide range of ADAS features as standard. Drivers benefit from technologies such as Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, High Beam Assist, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, along with supportive functions like Leading Vehicle Departure a-lert, Lane Keeping Assist, and Lane Following Assist. These features contribute to not only a more comfortable, but also a safer driving experience in everyday situations.
With a big smile on his face, Moon described just how pleased he is with the ST1 Cargo. “Everything about this vehicle has exceeded my expectations. Plus, my maintenance costs have dropped significantly. I installed a charger at my workshop, so I usually drive with a full battery and rarely need to visit charging stations. As for the V2L function, it truly is a lifesaver for on-site carpenters like me. It was my first time purchasing an electric vehicle, so I had a lot of concerns—but now, I can honestly say it was worth it in every respect.”
Purpose-Built for Business: The ST1’s Custom Platform
Although Kang Mi-hye and Moon Yong-gyu use the ST1 Cargo in different settings, both expressed a high level of satisfaction with the vehicle. This reflects Hyundai’s strong focus on designing the ST1 with business customers in mind. During development, Hyundai actively involved professionals from the logistics and delivery sectors, incorporating their feedback to create a vehicle that meets the real-world demands of daily business operations.
This customer-centered development approach aligns seamlessly with the ST1’s identity as a Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV). Every detail has been thoughtfully refined to ensure that business users feel supported and satisfied at every moment behind the wheel. That is why the ST1 is more than just a van—it is a reliable partner, helping you carry your dreams into the future. We look forward to seeing where it takes you next.
Photography by Hyuksoo Cho
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