Move over, SUVs—Hyundai (HYMTF) is putting minivans back in the spotlight with its first all-electric minivan, the Staria Electric. As production gears up for a 2025 launch, this EV minivan promises to redefine family and commercial transport, solidifying Hyundai’s push toward global EV dominance.
A Familiar Face Goes Electric
For those familiar with Hyundai’s MPV lineup, the Staria’s leap into the electric era isn’t entirely unexpected. Originally launched in 2021 as the successor to the Starex, the Staria is a versatile workhorse available in multiple configurations—from family-friendly minivans to ambulances and limousines.
While earlier versions offered only diesel and gas options, Hyundai introduced a hybrid model in February, hinting at the electric transformation to come.
Now, the Staria Electric is set to take center stage. It will be equipped with Hyundai’s fourth-generation EV battery technology, featuring an 84 kWh capacity—a 10% boost over its commercial EV cousin, the ST1. This upgrade isn’t just a numbers game; it signals Hyundai’s commitment to balancing range and efficiency for families and businesses alike.
Production Plans and Global Reach
Hyundai’s Ulsan Plant 4 in Korea is the heart of this EV evolution. Starting in January 2024, Line 1 will undergo a transformation to accommodate Staria Electric production. This is just one piece of Hyundai’s broader strategy to launch 21 electric vehicles by 2030, aiming for annual EV sales exceeding 2 million units.
And Hyundai isn’t stopping at domestic production. European expansion is on the horizon, with plans to manufacture Staria EVs locally by mid-2026. Markets like Australia and Thailand are also in the company’s sights, targeting annual sales of 15,000 to 20,000 units globally. With minivan sales already inching toward 40,000 units in 2024, the electric version is poised to capture even more market share.
Why Minivans Matter in the EV Era
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Why a minivan, and why now? Minivans have long been the unsung heroes of people-moving—more economical than oversized SUVs and more versatile than sedans.
Yet, the EV market has been slow to embrace this segment. Hyundai’s timing couldn’t be better. As families and fleet operators look for sustainable, cost-effective solutions, the Staria Electric fills a glaring gap.
The Staria Electric’s spacious interior and modular design make it a strong contender for both personal and commercial use. Whether you’re shuttling kids to soccer practice or delivering goods, this EV is designed to handle it all with zero tailpipe emissions.
A Glimpse Into the Future
Beyond the Staria Electric, Hyundai’s commercial ambitions include its PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) lineup. The upcoming PV5 electric van is already being touted as a competitor to Volkswagen’s ID.Buzz. Together, these innovations paint a picture of Hyundai’s strategic pivot: leveraging versatile platforms to capture diverse market segments.
Charge Complete
Hyundai’s all-electric Staria isn’t just another EV; it’s a statement. By embracing the minivan format, Hyundai is betting big on practicality and efficiency, proving that innovation doesn’t have to sacrifice utility.
With production set to begin in just over a year, the countdown is on for what could be one of the most impactful EV launches in recent memory. Whether you’re a family on the go or a business looking to go green, the Staria Electric might just be the ride you’ve been waiting for.
Hi Alan, I enjoy reading your articles; they’re always well-written, and I’ve learned a lot about upcoming EVs. One comment, however: there are several key pieces of info that I think deserve to be included in every post: the range, the price, and when and where the vehicle will be sold. I realize you might not have all this data at the time you write the articles, but the more of these items you can provide, the better, and if some info is not available yet, you could mention when it might be forthcoming. Thanks for all your efforts!
Yes to cb! When can we get it in the US market? Preferably in a basic configuration.