Hyundai is planning something big for January. Forget about the Hyundai Ioniq 9, this new model will be the premiere of Hyundai’s largest model ever. The big new EV will show off a new generation of tech, and it will offer an 800V electrical system, but with just a teaser image to show, what is it?
Based on the little bit of nose in the teaser shot, we’re sure you’re looking at the reveal of the Hyundai Staria EV. If you don’t know what the Staria is, then let us introduce you to one of the most interesting products Hyundai builds.
It’s a van. Not a North American-style minivan, but a mid-sized, highly versatile and functional van like those you’ll find all over the rest of the world. Shuttling people and things from place to place.
The Staria is extra strange in that it already looks like an EV. The electric shaver grille and pixel headlights along with a windshield nearly flush with the hoodline is a shape that stands out. Combine that with more glass than doors along the side and you get the idea.
We’ve had glimpses of the Staria EV before. Spy photos from earlier in the year showed an electric version of the van. It had the same single-plane nose and pixel LED headlights, but it didn’t have an engine.
This oddball van could become part of GM-Hyundai commercial vehicle partnership.
The prototype had some of the best features of the gas model. The tall glass and boxy shape. Hyundai may add more pixel shapes to further its electric brand identity.
This reveal might not be as revealing as most, because Hyundai already has an electric version of the newest Staria. Sort of. The Hyundai ST1 was launched last year, and it is a chassis cab work version of the vehicle. It has a more commercial-style nose with fewer design elements, but it should have a similar powertrain.
Hyundai’s ST1 van comes with a 76.1 kW battery that delivers an estimated 197 miles of range on the WLTP cycle. The smaller and lighter body of the Staria should improve that figure on the test and in the real world. Especially on the highway.
The ST1 uses an 800V electrical system. It can charge at up to 350 kW, which allows for 10-80 percent in around 20 minutes. It’s possible that a passenger version could offer a longer range large pack as well as more than the 215 horsepower of the work truck.
Yes, the Staria is larger than the Ioniq 9 SUV. It measures 207 inches long (7 more than the 9), is 78 inches tall (7.5 more), and is 77.5 inches wide (about the same). Staria can hold seven passengers with airline-like reclining middle seats with footrests. The wagon version can hold 174 cubic feet of cargo in the back, 30 more than the gargantuan Chevy Suburban.
It has up to 11 seats and tons of cargo space.
Hyundai’s biggest reveal will happen at the Brussels Motor Show, January 9-18. Here’s hoping you’ll like the newest addition to the Hyundai lineup more than that city’s signature winter vegetable. Because if you do, it could come here as part of Hyundai’s plan to build commercial models with GM.
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