South Korean automaker Hyundai unveiled on Friday the fully electric version of its Staria multi purpose van (MPV) model at the Brussels Motor Show.
Sales of the Staria Electric will begin in South Korea and Europe in the first half of this year, before expanding to other regions later in the year.
The new model joins Hyundai‘s battery-electric vehicles (BEV) portfolio, which includes Ioniq 5 (standard and N versions), Ioniq 6, Ioniq 9, Inster, and the Kona.
STARIA Electric Features
The model is available in two variants: the 7-seater Luxury and the Wagon, with 9 seats, designed for “larger families, group travel or shuttle operation”, the Hyundai stated on its website.
With an 800-volt electrical architecture, the fully electric Staria provides ultra-fast Direct Current (DC) charging, going from 10% to 80% in “approximately 20 minutes” — according to the brand.
The MPV is equipped with an 84 kWh battery pack, offering an estimated WLTP range of up to 400 km (249 miles).
As the brand’s largest EV, the model measures 5,255 mm in length, 1,995 mm in width, and 1,990 mm in height.
The Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, high-power USB 100W ports, Digital Key, and the brand’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) – named SmartSense – are among the features included in the STARIA Electric.
Its exterior design follows an ‘Inside-Out’ theme, incorporating futuristic details.
The President of Hyundai Motor Europe Xavier Martinet emphasized that the new trim reflects the company’s commitment to electric mobility, incorporating “a new, fast-charging, high-voltage system and updated interior”.
“Staria Electric brings our EV expertise to a vehicle that many customers already know and trust, combining STARIA’s impressive space and flexibility with a new, fast-charging, high-voltage system and updated interior to deliver practical, efficient electric mobility for real-world use across Europe,” the executive stated.
Manufacturing of the new model is set to begin at Hyundai‘s Ulsan facility, the company’s largest production hub.
Preparation for IONIQ 3
Apart from the Staria Electric’s debut, Hyundai also showcased the concept for its upcoming Ioniq 3 model, at the Brussels Motor Show.
This unit is set to become the Seoul-based brand’s first compact EV under the Ioniq lineup.
It will therefore enter direct competition with Kia’s compact EV2, which debuted on January 9 at the Brussels Motor Show.
Although its prices and other details are yet to be disclosed, the Ioniq 3’s pricing will possibly be between Inster’s and Kona Electric’s – starting from €23,900 ($27,800) and €39,995 ($46,500) in Europe, respectively.
In contrast to the Staria Electric, the compact EV is expected to be developed and produced in Europe.
Hyundai is expected to unveil the Ioniq 3 model within the next few months, with sales set to start soon after.
