Hyundai could introduce a second, smaller electric ute in Australia, based on trademarks recently filed locally.
Last week it was discovered that Hyundai filed a trademark application with IP Australia for Ioniq T10, pointing towards a pickup/ute joining its Ioniq lineup of electric vehicles (EV).
Now it appears there could be another ute in the family, with a trademark for Ioniq T7 also filed with IP Australia.
Given Hyundai’s existing naming conventions for its Ioniq range, whereby larger vehicles have higher numbers, the T7 will likely be smaller than the T10.
Hyundai has previously confirmed it’s developing a new Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) for future EVs, which will eventually replace the E-GMP platform, currently underpinning the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and 6, as well as the Kia EV6 and EV9 to name a few.
It’s understood the platform can support a ute or pickup, and is planned to underpin four models in the next six years.
While Hyundai has been tight-lipped on its plans to develop an electric ute, Kia is working on a battery-powered pickup – though it’s believed to be targeted at the North American market, making it unclear as to whether it will be available in right-hand drive.
The petrol-powered Hyundai Santa Cruz yet – based on the Tucson SUV – isn’t available in Australia, as it’s only produced in left-hand drive.
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