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Hyundai’s electric minivan spotted driving for the first time [Video]

Hyundai’s electric minivan is almost here. The new Staria EV was spotted driving on public roads in Korea for the first time ahead of its official launch later this year.

Hyundai’s first electric minivan hits the road for testing

The Staria will be Hyundai’s first fully electric minivan. It was first introduced in 2021 as the successor to the Starex, Hyundai’s multi-purpose vehicle (MPV).

For the 2026 model year, Hyundai is preparing to introduce a few notable changes, including its first EV version. Like the current model, the Staria facelift will be offered in camper, cargo, passenger, and several other variations.

Earlier this year, we got our first glimpse of Hyundai’s electric van after it was spotted in a Korean parking lot, undisguised (pictured below).

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The EV variant retains a similar design to the Staria Lounge, which is available as a 7- or 9-seater, a Limousine, and even a camper van. You can see a few noticeable changes that give it away as an EV, including a closed-off grille and a charging port on the front.

After the Staria facelift was caught driving on public roads in Korea this week, we are getting a better idea of what to expect from Hyundai’s upcoming electric minivan.

The new footage from ShortsCar reveals the Staria’s new look, featuring updated LED headlights and a redesigned front end. Although it’s covered, the new model is expected to include a full-length light bar. The EV version will get a unique pixel pattern, similar to the IONIQ 6.

Hyundai Staria EV driving in Korea during testing (Source: ShortsCar)

It also gives you a better idea of its size compared to other vehicles on the road. Although it appears slightly wider than the current Staria, the new model seems to be about the same size from the side.

Top comment by Leo O'Connor

Liked by 1 people

The range is similar to the ID Buzz but where they should be different is to add in their 800v charging. I'd love to see Genesis take this and add in even more batteries to really bump that range (and price out of Hyundai's preferred price ranges).

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Hyundai is expected to officially reveal the Staria EV later this year. Although details have yet to be confirmed, it will likely use either a 76 kWh or 84 kWh battery, providing a range of around 350 km (217 miles) to 400 km (249 miles).

Hyundai's-first-electric-minivan
Hyundai Staria Lounge (Source: Hyundai)

Will Hyundai’s electric minivan compete with the Kia PV5? Kia opened pre-orders for the PV5 Passenger van in the UK on May 1, starting at £32,995 ($44,000).

Kia’s passenger electric van is available with two battery options: 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh, providing a WLTP range of up to 179 miles or 249 miles. It will launch in Europe and Korea later this year, with other overseas markets following in 2026.

Would you buy an electric Hyundai minivan? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Avatar for Peter Johnson Peter Johnson

Peter Johnson is covering the auto industry’s step-by-step transformation to electric vehicles. He is an experienced investor, financial writer, and EV enthusiast. His enthusiasm for electric vehicles, primarily Tesla, is a significant reason he pursued a career in investments. If he isn’t telling you about his latest 10K findings, you can find him enjoying the outdoors or exercising