Hyundai chose the bustling Brussels Motor Show to roll out the Staria EV, a move that signals serious intent in the premium electric MPV segment. The company has already teased the model at the 2025 Indian Auto Expo, but the Brussels debut adds a European flavor to the narrative. Why does this matter? Because the Staria’s size and price point could reshape how fleets and large families think about electric mobility.
The vehicle’s silhouette retains the futuristic, rounded styling of the gasoline‑powered Staria, yet the front fascia now hides a sleek, closed‑grill design that hints at its silent propulsion. Inside, the cabin stretches out on a completely flat floor – a benefit that only an electric platform can provide. That flatness translates into a spacious feel that rivals many full‑size SUVs.
Here’s the real takeaway: Hyundai is not just adding another EV to its lineup; it is redefining the utility‑luxury crossover space.
The Staria EV is built around a high‑capacity 84 kWh lithium‑ion pack, paired with an 800 V architecture that lets it sip power at an impressive rate. Hyundai claims the battery can go from zero to 80 % in just 20 minutes when connected to a compatible fast‑charger. In practical terms, a quick coffee break could add roughly 300 km of range.
Seating is offered in two configurations. The flagship luxury wagon seats nine, while a more compact seven‑seat version targets smaller families or corporate shuttles. Both variants share the same powertrain, which means the extra seats do not compromise the 400 km WLTP‑type range.
A modest 11 kW AC charger is included for home or office charging, giving owners a convenient overnight top‑up without the need for dedicated infrastructure.
Quiet optimism: the combination of fast charging and ample interior space could make the Staria EV a serious contender for both private owners and commercial operators.
| Variant | Seats | Range (km) | Towing (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxury Wagon | 9 | 400 | 2000 |
| Family Edition | 7 | 400 | 2000 |
The numbers are straightforward, but the real impact will be felt when the vehicle hits real‑world roads. The flat floor, for instance, frees up cargo space in a way that traditional MPVs can’t match.
Hyundai’s Staria EV lands in a niche that currently includes the Mercedes‑EQV, the Tesla Model X (in its larger configuration), and the upcoming BYD Dolphin MPV. Compared with the EQV’s roughly 450 km range, the Staria’s 400 km is slightly lower, but the price gap, though not disclosed, could tilt the balance toward Hyundai.
The 2 000 kg towing capacity also puts it ahead of many electric vans that cap at 1 500 kg, suggesting a focus on small‑business logistics as well as family use. The dual‑variant strategy mirrors the approach taken by competitors like the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which offers both passenger‑focused and cargo‑focused trims.
That matters: a versatile seating plan combined with robust towing could make the Staria EV attractive to fleet buyers who have been hesitant about electric options.
Hyundai has not released a concrete launch date, but insiders indicate a market debut in late 2026 for South Korea, followed by phased roll‑outs in Europe and select Asian markets. Pre‑orders are expected to open shortly after the Brussels reveal, with production capacity set to scale up at Hyundai’s Ulsan plant.
The company hinted at future upgrades, including an all‑wheel‑drive variant and a higher‑capacity battery pack that could push the range beyond 500 km. If those plans materialize, the Staria EV could stay relevant well into the next decade.
Forward‑looking implication: the Staria EV may become a benchmark for large‑size electric vans, forcing rivals to accelerate their own development cycles.
The Staria EV is more than a new model; it is a statement that size and sustainability can coexist on the same platform.