Hyundai Staria Electric in doubt for Australia

HYUNDAI has unveiled a battery electric version of its Staria people mover at Brussels Motor Show this week, a vehicle that is unlikely to make its way to Australia.

According to a Hyundai Motor Corporation Australia (HMCA) spokesperson, the Staria Electric is the subject of an “ongoing business case” that will be decided by sales projections and landed price, saying that “at this time we have no plans to launch (the Staria Electric) locally”.

If the Staria Electric is green lit, the possibility of seven- and nine-seat variants are on the table, taking the fight to rivals that include the LDV Mifa 9 (from $104,000), Mercedes-Benz eVito (from $136,898) and EQV (from $161,723), Volkswagen ID.Buzz (from $89,990), and the Zeeker 009 (from $115,000).

At launch, the Staria Electric is offered with an 84kWh lithium-ion battery and 160kW electric motor driving the front wheels. Hyundai says the combination makes long-distance travel possible, thanks to “an advanced 800-volt system that supports high power flow while minimising heat generation, enabling repeated fast charging”.

Hyundai says the Staria Electric may be charged from 10-80 per cent in approximately 20 minutes, but it yet to divulge the model’s rate of charge. A driving range of up to 400km is spruiked, as is a braked towing capacity of 2000kg, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality.

Technological highlights elsewhere include high-powered 100-watt USB charging ports, a digital key for fuss-free keyless entry and ignition, Hyundai/Kia’s ccNC infotainment system, over-the-air software updates, and dual 12.3-inch infotainment and instrumentation screens for “an advanced user experience”.

The “adaptable” interior of the Hyundai Staria Electric features a high roofline and “quiet drivetrain to enhance comfort and functionality for diverse travel needs”. As is the case with all new Hyundai models, the Staria Electric is also equipped with a comprehensive suite of Hyundai SmartSense driver assistance and safety systems.

“Hyundai continues to expand its electric offering to meet everyday mobility needs in Europe,” said Hyundai Motor Europe president and chief executive officer Xavier Martinet.

“(The) Staria Electric brings our EV expertise to a vehicle that many customers already know and trust, combining Staria’s impressive space and flexibility with a new, fast-charging, high-voltage system and updated interior to deliver practical, efficient electric mobility for real-world use across Europe.”

While the chances of the Staria Electric making landfall Down Under may seem disappointing, it is worth notice that electric vans represent but a handful of sales in the broader market.

The Korean-made Hyundai Staria Electric goes on sale in South Korea and Europe from the first half of 2026, with additional markets to follow.