This article is the first part of the PBV and Smart City Platform War series.
Why Are PBVs (Purpose Built Vehicles) Gaining Attention?
What if a vehicle was not just a mode of transportation, but a customized space designed for a specific purpose?
This is the core concept of the PBV (Purpose Built Vehicle).
Unlike conventional cars, PBVs are designed and built according to their intended use.
In other words, they have evolved beyond transportation to become mobility service platforms.
While traditional delivery vans, ambulances, and food trucks can be broadly categorized as PBVs,
Hyundai Motor defines PBVs as an even more advanced concept.
By combining autonomous driving, electrification, and smart city infrastructure, PBVs aim to become the core of future mobility ecosystems.
The Concept and History of PBVs, and Hyundai Motor Group’s Unique Approach
The idea of PBVs isn’t entirely new.
Delivery vans, ambulances, and other specialized vehicles have long been in use in the U.S. and Europe.
However, Hyundai redefines PBVs by integrating electrification, autonomous driving, and smart infrastructure, creating next-generation mobility platforms.
Hyundai’s PBVs are more than vehicles customized for specific purposes:
- They are built on a modular eS platform.
- They feature autonomous driving, connectivity, and eco-friendly electric powertrains as standard.
- They are highly adaptable for a wide range of commercial and service applications.
With PBVs, Hyundai plans to expand beyond traditional commercial vehicles into areas such as urban mobility, logistics, healthcare, and commercial services.
What Makes Hyundai’s PBVs Different?
1. Modular Design Based on the eS Platform
Hyundai’s PBVs are developed on the eS platform, a skateboard-type EV architecture. The battery and drive systems are located on the lower chassis, allowing the upper body to be modularized for different purposes.
- Low center of gravity design ensures driving stability.
- Drive-by-wire systems maximize interior space efficiency.
- Only the upper body (Top Hat) needs to be changed to adapt to different uses.
This platform enables Hyundai to quickly produce various PBV body types, offering a wide range of customized services.
2. Smart Production at HMGICS
PBVs are produced at Hyundai’s HMGICS (Hyundai Motor Group Innovation Center) in Singapore. This smart factory is highly flexible, enabling rapid production of customized PBVs, and is fully digitized.
- Capable of producing approximately 30,000 customized PBVs annually.
- Utilizes AI and IoT-based production management systems.
- Can reflect customer-specific requirements in real time and deliver accordingly.
Key PBV Models of Hyundai Motor Group
Hyundai Motor Group offers three core PBV models to meet various market demands: PV1, PV5, and PV7.
PV1
The PV1 is an ultra-compact PBV optimized for personal and logistics transport within smart cities.
- Use: Last-mile mobility within urban areas.
- Features: Small platform, supports automatic charging and autonomous driving.
PV5
The PV5 will be Hyundai’s first mass-production PBV. Targeted for production in 2025, it is built on a mid-sized platform.
- Use: Last-mile logistics, ride-sharing, medical shuttles, etc.
- Features: Modular interior for easy reconfiguration.
- Supports integration with autonomous driving and robotics.
PV7
The PV7 is a large PBV designed for premium service spaces.
- Use: Unmanned cafes, mobile offices, lounge services, etc.
- Features: Large platform with spacious interiors and premium customization options.
PBVs and Their Connection to Smart Cities
Hyundai plans to evolve PBVs into integrated service platforms within smart cities. Mass production and pilot projects are underway at the HMGICS in Singapore, with real-time integration into smart city infrastructure.
Examples of PBV Services
- Mobile Clinics: Providing remote medical and nursing services.
- Mobile Offices: Mobile workspaces for business travelers and remote workers.
- Unmanned Convenience Stores: Autonomous vehicles operating as mobile stores.
- Logistics Delivery: Autonomous last-mile delivery services within cities.
Integration of Robotics and PBVs
Hyundai plans to combine Boston Dynamics’ robotics technology with PBVs to offer last-mile delivery and eldercare services. Robots will disembark from PBVs to deliver packages directly to customers.
The Future Envisioned by Hyundai Motor Group’s PBVs
Hyundai sees PBVs not merely as commercial vehicles but as key elements of future urban infrastructure.
Through PBVs, Hyundai aims to solve urban transportation challenges and
expand into “moving spaces” that integrate services and platforms.
Potential Expansion into the B2C Market
Hyundai is considering expanding PBVs into the B2C market by leveraging its existing dealer network and global after-sales system.
- Mass production and cost competitiveness could enable PBV services for general consumers.
- Compact PBVs like the PV1 are expected to provide personal mobility services in smart cities.
- Hyundai aims to offer services that adapt to users’ lifestyle changes by integrating autonomous driving and robotics.
Conclusion: How PBVs Will Transform Our Future Mobility
PBVs are no longer just vehicles.
They are evolving from transportation tools to service platforms,
and becoming key enablers that connect urban infrastructure and smart ecosystems.
As a leader in EVs, autonomous driving, connectivity, and robotics,
Hyundai Motor Group is shaping the cities of the future through PBVs.
In our next post,
we will explore the global competition in the PBV market and Hyundai’s strategic advantages.
PBV & Smart City Platform War Series
If you missed previous articles, check them out below!
Go to Part 2 Go to Part 3
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