Hyundai Motor unveiled a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) platform for light commercial vehicles, called the ST1 (Service Type 1), designed for general purpose, local delivery vehicles.

The automaker said the cab chassis has a simple, flexible design which allows it to be offered in different sizes and layouts depending on use and is suitable for general cargo and refrigerated boxes.

Hyundai plans to use the ST1 to expand in the EV commercial vehicle market.

It already makes BEV Porter light trucks, with 26,000 sold locally last year, while Kia sold 15,000 electric Bongo light trucks. The automaker also sells electric buses and hydrogen heavy trucks.

The ST1 cabin has a protruding front end, similar to the Staria minibus, for added safety in case of a collision while the cargo frame has low ground clearance to make loading/unloading easier and to ease access to indoor loading areas.

It has protective plastic garnish fitted to areas prone to impacts such as the front bumper and cabin doors.

Full details and pricing follow in the second quarter with sales scheduled in the second half.