Hyundai Motor Company filed a patent revealing a new body-on-frame electric-vehicle architecture designed for rugged performance [1].
This shift in engineering marks a strategic move to enter the high-demand segment of heavy-duty electric trucks and SUVs. By utilizing a body-on-frame chassis rather than a unibody design, Hyundai can produce vehicles with greater durability for towing and off-road use.
The company recently unveiled the Boulder Concept SUV at the New York International Auto Show 2026 [2]. This concept serves as a preview of the architecture, which integrates the battery pack directly into the frame. This integration is intended to improve space utilization and overall vehicle performance [1].
While the Boulder Concept is an SUV, reports indicate the architecture will support the launch of Hyundai's first body-on-frame midsize pickup truck [1]. The design focuses on creating an American-styled electric vehicle capable of withstanding rigorous environments [2].
The patent details show how the battery is positioned within the chassis to maintain a low center of gravity while providing the structural rigidity required for a frame-based vehicle [1]. This approach allows the company to compete with established electric pickups in the U.S. market [2].
Hyundai has not yet announced a production date for the midsize pickup, but the debut of the Boulder Concept in 2026 suggests the technology is moving toward a commercial phase [2].
“Hyundai filed a patent revealing a new body-on-frame electric-vehicle architecture.”
Hyundai is pivoting its EV strategy to capture the North American pickup and rugged SUV market. By moving away from unibody construction for these specific models, the company is prioritizing towing capacity and durability over the efficiency typically associated with electric crossovers, signaling a direct challenge to established U.S. truck manufacturers.
