Hyundai unveils STARIA Electric: 800V charging, 84kWh and up to 2 tonnes of towing capacity

At the Brussels Motor Show, Hyundai Motor Company unveiled a model that fills a gap in the EV market at a stroke: the Hyundai STARIA Electric. Not a compact city EV, not an SUV coupe, but a full-sized, spacious MPV with a clear mission: bringing zero-emission mobility to families, shuttle services and active lifestyles, without sacrificing space, comfort or usability.

And most importantly: Hyundai gets straight down to business with an 84kWh battery, a 160kW (218hp) electric motor and, above all, an 800-volt architecture that enables ultra-fast charging.

From futuristic MPV to futuristic EV

The STARIA has always stood out: a van with the look of a concept car. With this fully electric version, Hyundai carries that logic forward. The STARIA Electric retains its recognisable silhouette but gains EV-specific accents such as a closed-off front with sharper surfaces and a continuous horizontal light bar that further emphasises its width. The design follows Hyundai’s “Inside-Out” approach: the bodywork is literally drawn around the experience of the cabin.

That cabin is, in fact, the big selling point. The long wheelbase, low beltline and vast glass surfaces create an open, lounge-like feel rarely found in EVs at this price point or in this segment. This is not a car you simply “get into”; it is a space you settle into.

800V charging in an MPV: this is rare

In the MPV segment, 800V technology is the exception, but Hyundai simply brings it along regardless. The STARIA Electric uses the same philosophy we know from the IONIQ line-up: high charging current, limited heat build-up and, as a result, repeated fast charging without a drop in performance.

Under ideal conditions, the STARIA Electric can charge from 10 to 80% in around 20 minutes. That is exactly the kind of charging time a large family car or shuttle needs to be genuinely usable. For daily charging at home or at work, there is an 11kW AC onboard charger, plus a heated charging port cover to improve usability in winter conditions.

Up to 400km WLTP, but above all: designed to do the heavy lifting

Hyundai quotes an estimated WLTP range of up to 400km (subject to homologation). That is respectable on its own, but the real added value lies in how the powertrain is engineered: stable and reliable under load.

The STARIA Electric delivers torque output that stays constant, even when it is fully loaded with passengers, luggage or equipment. The body has been reinforced and the suspension tuned for high payloads, with extra sound-absorbing materials and structural improvements to boost comfort on long journeys. It is clear here that Hyundai does not view the STARIA Electric as a lifestyle gadget, but as a genuine mobility solution.

Towing capacity up to 2,000kg: a statement for EV users

And then Hyundai comes up with a figure that immediately grabs the attention of many EV buyers: the STARIA Electric can tow up to 2,000kg (braked). That puts it in a particularly strong position for families with caravans, trailers, boats or professional applications. For those towing something lighter: 750kg unbraked.

To make that possible, Hyundai also invests heavily in thermal management, so that the battery and powertrain keep delivering their performance both while towing and during repeated fast charging.

Interior: two variants, one philosophy, space as luxury

At launch, the STARIA Electric comes in two configurations:

The Luxury (7 seats) targets families and leisure use. Here the focus lies on passenger comfort and flexibility, with luggage space of up to 431 litres behind the third row.

The Wagon (9 seats) is intended for larger families, group transport and shuttle services. Here the load volume rises to 1,303 litres behind the third row, and the interior can be reconfigured more quickly thanks to foldable and sliding seats.

Hyundai also makes this concrete with details that really count in this segment: wide sliding doors, a large loading opening, and (depending on the version) power-operated doors and tailgate. On the Luxury these come as standard, which becomes noticeable as soon as you are dealing with children, luggage or hotel-shuttle use.

Technology: ccNC, OTA, V2L and Digital Key

The STARIA Electric gets Hyundai’s latest Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC), with dual 12.3-inch screens and OTA updates. The interface is faster, clearer and designed with visibility and calmness as priorities, which matters far more in a large family or shuttle vehicle than flashy visuals.

It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and offers a range of practical tools such as Digital Key via smartphone. A standout feature for family use is the communication function: a rear camera shows the back seats on the central screen, while the voice function amplifies the driver’s voice through the rear speakers. Ideal when driving with multiple rows of passengers.

For outdoor enthusiasts and professionals there is V2L, both inside and outside the vehicle, plus 100W USB ports to quickly power laptops, cameras or tools.

Hyundai SmartSense: safety at a high level, even in busy environments

Hyundai equips the STARIA Electric with a broad package of SmartSense ADAS. The goal is clear: to provide confidence when manoeuvring, in city centres and on motorways, precisely where large MPVs often struggle.

Lane assist, adaptive cruise, Highway Driving Assist, blind-spot assist and a 360° camera view help the STARIA feel a good deal “smaller” from behind the wheel than it actually is.

When does it arrive?

Hyundai will bring the STARIA Electric to Europe (and Korea) in the first half of 2026, with further rollout to other markets to follow later. More market information for Belgium will follow closer to the local launch.