Hyundai will launch its first all-electric minivan. Production is expected to begin next year and the electric minivan is expected to play a key role in its global expansion. Here’s what you can expect.
The Staria is Hyundai’s successor to the Starex, its multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), launched in 2021. Like its replacement, the Staria is offered in a minivan, minibus, van, pickup, and several other configurations like limousines and ambulances.
Although the Staria was launched with only diesel and gas-powered powertrain options, Hyundai added its first hybrid model in February.
Hyundai will present the Staria Electric, its first electric van, next year. In March, Hyundai introduced its new ST1 electric advertising van, based on the Staria. However, the minivan will have its own EV styling in 2025. The ST1 is Hyundai’s first electric vehicle announcement. It is available in refrigerated van and basic chassis cab options.
Hyundai already makes hybrid and gasoline-powered Staria models at its Ulsan factory in Korea, but is yet to start building the EV version.
According to the Korean media outlet Newsis, sources close to the matter on Friday said Hyundai will begin converting a production line (Line 1) at its Ulsan Plant 4 for Staria Electric around January 25, 2025.
The expansion is part of Hyundai’s broader plan to introduce 21 electric vehicles by 2030, accounting for over 2 million in sales.
All I can say is, “I’m finally making it. “
Minivans are much more economical tactics for moving people, much more so than full-size SUVs. This is a market that will surely have to be taken advantage of.
A Korean Economic Daily report in June claimed Hyundai will expand Staria EV production in Europe in the first part of 2026. European-made models will be sold locally and abroad, such as in Australia and Thailand. Hyundai aims to sell between 15,000 and 20,000 copies of the EV model per year.
The Staria Electric will be powered through Hyundai’s fourth-generation 84 kWh EV batteries and will have 10% more than the ST1.
Hyundai sold 37,769 Staria in the first 11 months of 2024. Last year, Hyundai Staria sales reached 39,780, domestic and export sales. By the end of the year, Staria sales are expected to exceed 40,000 games for the first time.
Hyundai’s sister company also has big plans to expand its business operations with a new range of electric cars based on its PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle). Its first electric van, the PV5, was seen earlier this year as a possible rival to the Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
Peter Johnson covers the automotive industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, an enthusiast of money and electric vehicles. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, mainly Tesla, is one of the main reasons why he pursued a career in the investment space. If he doesn’t tell you about his latest discoveries in the 10K, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or running.