Imagine pulling up in a vehicle that looks like it landed from the year 2050, but runs silently on clean energy. That is exactly what Hyundai has just delivered. At the Brussels Motor Show, the Korean giant finally pulled the covers off the Hyundai Staria Electric, marking the first-ever fully electric version of its futuristic "spaceship" MPV.
For years, the Staria turned heads with its Robocop-style light bar and boxy proportions. Now, with an electric heart, it promises to be the ultimate eco-friendly people mover.
What is the Staria Electric?
This isn't just a concept anymore. The Staria Electric is a production-ready reality scheduled to hit roads in South Korea and Europe in the first half of 2026.
Essentially, Hyundai has taken its boldest design and swapped the diesel engine for a high-tech electric powertrain. It retains the massive, lounge-like interior space that made the original Staria famous but adds the smoothness of an EV drive.
- Battery: 84 kWh battery pack.
- Power: 160 kW (215 bhp) and 350 Nm of torque.
- Drive: Front-mounted electric motor.
Range & Charging: Fast in Every Way
Range anxiety is the enemy of big cars, but Hyundai seems to have managed it decently. The Staria Electric claims a WLTP driving range of up to 400 km on a single charge. While that might not sound groundbreaking compared to sleek sedans, for a boxy 9-seater, it is quite practical for city shuttles and medium highway runs.
However, the real magic lies in the charging speed.
- Architecture: It uses Hyundai’s advanced 800-volt electrical system.
- Charging Speed: Supports ultra-fast DC charging, taking the battery from 10% to 80% in just 20 minutes.
- Home Charging: Comes with an 11 kW AC onboard charger for overnight top-ups.
Interior: A Lounge on Wheels
The Staria has always prioritized space, and the electric version is no different. Thanks to the flat floor layout (no transmission tunnel!), the cabin feels even airier.
- Seating Options: Available in a 7-seat Luxury variant (with captain chairs) and a practical 9-seat Wagon version.
- Tech: The dashboard is dominated by dual 12.3-inch screens—one for the driver and one for infotainment—running Hyundai’s latest software with Over-the-Air (OTA) updates.
- Cargo: Even with seats up, you get decent space. Fold them down, and luggage capacity ranges from 435 litres to a massive 1,303 litres.
Design Updates: Spot the Differences
Visually, the Staria was already unique, so Hyundai didn't mess with it too much. The Electric version gets subtle tweaks to improve aerodynamics and identity.
- Front Fascia: A closed-off grille to reduce drag.
- Lighting: A distinct horizontal LED lighting signature and EV-specific detailing.
- Charging Port: Cleverly positioned at the front for easy access at public chargers (no more reversing awkwardly!).
Key Specifications Table
|
Feature |
Hyundai Staria Electric |
|
Battery Capacity |
84 kWh |
|
Max Power |
215 bhp (160 kW) |
|
Max Torque |
350 Nm |
|
Range (WLTP) |
~ 400 km |
|
Charging (10-80%) |
~ 20 Minutes (DC Fast) |
|
Seating Capacity |
7 or 9 Seater |
Will It Come to India?
This is the million-dollar question. As of now, Hyundai has not confirmed an India launch.
Let’s be realistic—the market for large, premium MPVs in India is small, currently dominated by the Toyota Vellfire and Kia Carnival. Moreover, our charging infrastructure for such large vehicles on highways is still developing. However, given how much Indians love large family cars, a limited run (CBU) could be a fantastic brand-builder for Hyundai India.
Final Verdict: Who Is It For?
If the Staria Electric ever makes it to our shores, it would be a game-changer for a specific crowd.
- The Luxury Hotelier: Perfect for shuttling VIP guests in silence and comfort.
- The Big Green Family: If you have a large family and want to reduce your carbon footprint without squeezing into two separate cars.
- The Tech-Savvy Boss: For those who want a mobile office that stands out from the usual sea of SUVs.
For now, we can only admire it from afar. But with the Kia Carnival doing well here, never say never!

