Hyundai Staria gets fully electric powertrain

Quick look

• Hyundai’s futuristic Staria gets a fully electric powertrain with 800V high-voltage architecture from the IONIQ, enabling a 10% to 80% recharge said to be within 20 minutes.

• 160 kW motor driving the front wheels is powered by an 84 kWh battery which can give a claimed range up to 400 kms.

When the Hyundai Staria made its global debut in 2021 as the successor to the Starex, its futuristic shape drew a lot of attention. The ‘Inside Out’ design theme which it used was new then, and the design was described as being inspired by a spaceship.

Though having futuristic looks, the Staria did not come with a powertrain of the future – ie an electrified powertrain, hybrid or full electric – and was offered only with petrol and diesel internal combustion engines, with all-wheel drive available.

There is, however, one fully electric version called the ST1 which is a panel van truck based on the Staria, but mainly sold in Korea. In Europe, through a collaboration with Iveco, it has been as the eMoovy in a light truck configuration.

For the update to the Staria, Hyundai Motor has finally given it a fully electric powertrain, introducing the new fully electric variant of the MPV at the Brussels Motor Show recently. As this is a mid-cycle update, the futuristic design is maintained which offers generous interior space and variability with space for up to 9 persons.

EV-specific design elements
EV-specific design elements of the Staria Electric include a closed front design with simplified geometric surfaces (replacing the air-intake structures of combustion variants), creating a clean, high-tech impression while contributing to improved aerodynamic efficiency. The continuous horizontal lighting signature underlines the vehicle’s width and future-oriented appearance, while carefully integrated details and flush surfaces reinforce its modern, electric identity.

The powertrain has a 160 kW electric motor driving the front wheels, powered by an 84 kWh battery. An 800V electrical system allows high power flow with minimal heat generation, enabling repeated fast charging and reliable performance on extended journeys. Proven battery modules from Hyundai’s latest EVs contribute to durability and thermal efficiency.

On long journeys, short charging stops make a difference. Under optimal DC fast-charging conditions, the Staria Electric is said to have a recharging time of around 20 minutes from 10% to 80%. For everyday charging at home or work, there’s also an 11 kW AC onboard charger while a heated charging-port cover improves usability in cold conditions.

Up to 400 kms
With an estimated WLTP range of up to 400 kms, the new Hyundai model ranks among the longest-range electric MPVs in its class. The combination of battery capacity, efficient motor calibration and 800V architecture delivers stable, predictable energy use across urban driving, motorway travel and mixed conditions.

Additionally, very low noise and vibration levels inside the cabin contribute to a calm and refined driving experience. Structural enhancements to the suspension and additional sound-absorbing materials further improve ride comfort and interior quietness, particularly on longer journeys or at motorway speeds.

Will Hyundai sell EVs in Malaysia?
The Staria Electric will go on sale in Korea and Europe later in the first half of 2026, with additional markets to follow. Whether Hyundai Malaysia will offer the model is uncertain as the company has been non-committal regarding the inclusion of EVs in its range. The revamped line-up has no EVs at this time, and if it does plan to introduce the Staria Electric, it would have to assemble it locally for duty-exemption to be able to sell at a competitive price (the current Staria with a combustion engine is priced from RM180,000).

As it is already assembling the Staria, it could also include the EV variant. Inokom in Kedah, where the MPV is assembled, is already assembling EVs for other brands like Chery, so it should be able to do EVs for Hyundai Malaysia as well.

Locally-assembled Hyundai Staria roll-out at Inokom