In today’s competitive automotive logistics industry, the pressure to innovate and adapt has never been greater. At the forefront of this push is PrixCar Services, Australia’s largest finished vehicle logistics provider. In line with their commitment to continuous improvement, PrixCar recently made a significant decision to replace a traditional ute with a Hyundai MIGHTY electric truck for parts delivery in Melbourne. This decision is more than just a shift in vehicle type; it reflects PrixCar’s culture of innovation and their commitment to sustainability and efficiency.
Fleet EV News spoke with Goran Koviloski, National Fleet Manager at PrixCar, to better understand the rationale behind this purchase, how the truck is being used, and the broader impact of this transition.
A culture of innovation and continuous improvement
PrixCar’s operational model is grounded in efficiency and national reach. As a business with a presence in every Australian state, PrixCar manages the logistics of processing and transporting vehicles from their arrival in the country to their delivery to dealers. The company’s fleet is the backbone of this process, connecting its operations nationwide. However, Koviloski stresses that PrixCar is not content with merely maintaining the status quo. “The whole business is always looking to push the boundaries and challenge the way things are done,” he explains.
This drive for innovation was the key motivator behind the decision to explore electric vehicle (EV) technology, specifically with the purchase of a Hyundai MIGHTY electric truck., The MIGHTY was chosen for its reliability, its suitability for the task at hand, and the strength of the Hyundai brand.
The strength of Hyundai
When it came to choosing an electric truck, Hyundai stood out not just for its product but also for its brand reputation. As Koviloski noted, “Hyundai is a well-known, trusted brand. We’ve had a long-standing relationship with them, and that gave us the confidence we needed when trialling this new technology.”
In Australia’s highly competitive new car market, the strength of a brand plays a significant role in purchasing decisions. Hyundai’s established reputation for quality and service was a critical factor for PrixCar when considering which electric truck to trial. “There are only a few players in the light-duty EV truck market, and Hyundai’s range, reliability, and service network really stood out,” Koviloski explained. The trust in Hyundai’s brand made it an easy decision to move forward with this purchase.
Why make the shift to electric?
The move to an electric truck was not just about environmental benefits but also about operational improvements. The 4.5-tonne Hyundai MIGHTY electric truck was identified as the perfect vehicle for transporting parts between depots in Melbourne, replacing a smaller and less versatile ute. “We always knew we needed something a bit bigger,” Koviloski explains. The parts being transported are typically light but bulky, and the ute was simply too small for the job.
“We were carrying lightweight but large items, and the ute didn’t offer enough cubic space. The decision to upgrade was about finding the right size for the task, and the Hyundai electric truck fit that need perfectly,” he adds. This fit-for-purpose solution allowed PrixCar to maintain the right capacity for their operations while also moving towards a more sustainable vehicle option.
Performance and driver experience
One of the most compelling aspects of PrixCar’s switch to electric has been the positive feedback from the truck’s driver who had previously only driven utes.
“She really enjoys it,” Koviloski revealed. “The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. She loves the responsiveness, the effortless take-off typical of the EV, and the quietness of the vehicle.”
For a driver transitioning from a diesel-powered ute to an electric truck, the change could have been challenging. However, the driving dynamics of the Hyundai MIGHTY have made the switch an easy adjustment. The driver particularly praised the ergonomic design, describing it as comfortable and spacious. The elevated driving position compared to the ute has also been a welcome upgrade.
“She’s said it’s a really nice upgrade ergonomically. The suspension is softer, she’s sitting higher, and it’s much quieter than a traditional ute.” Koviloski said.
The feedback has been so positive that it’s clear the Hyundai MIGHTY electric truck has improved the driver’s work experience, not just from a comfort perspective but also in terms of ease of use.
Efficiency gains through ‘ABC’ charging
When it comes to charging the Hyundai MIGHTY electric truck, PrixCar has implemented a simple yet effective philosophy: ABC—Always Be Charging. The truck is plugged in every night at the depot, ensuring that it is fully charged and ready to go first thing in the morning. This eliminates the need for the driver to stop and refuel, streamlining operations and saving valuable time.
“The advantage of the EV is that you just unplug it in the morning, and it’s good to go. There’s no need to worry about whether the truck has enough fuel or having to stop at a service station,” Koviloski explained. “It’s as convenient as charging your mobile phone. You plug it in at night, and in the morning, it’s ready to go with a full charge.”
Looking ahead
Although this Hyundai MIGHTY electric truck is the first EV in PrixCar’s fleet, it’s unlikely to be the last. Koviloski emphasised that the company is always looking for opportunities to innovate and improve. “We’re always open to new ideas. We never say no to something that could make us better,” he said.
One area of potential growth is in larger electric trucks. However, Koviloski acknowledged that the range limitations of current EV technology in the trucking industry are still a challenge. “For now, the limited range of EV trucks is a hurdle, but we’re keeping an eye on how the technology develops,” he explained.
Ultimately, PrixCar’s decision to trial a Hyundai MIGHTY electric truck is just one part of a broader strategy to lead the industry through innovation. As Koviloski put it, “We’re not just trying to keep up; we’re trying to be ahead of the curve. This truck is helping us do that.”
PrixCar’s adoption of a Hyundai MIGHTY electric truck for parts delivery is a testament to the company’s culture of continuous improvement and innovation. By identifying the right vehicle for the job and embracing new technology, they’ve not only improved operational efficiency but also positioned themselves as leaders in the transition to electric vehicles in the automotive logistics industry.
The positive feedback from the driver, the convenience of the ABC charging philosophy, and the overall efficiency gains make this a clear success story. While it’s still early days for electric trucks at PrixCar, the future looks bright.
