We’re starting to see more commercial vehicles exploring the pure electric option. From kei vans to six-wheelers, several automakers have swapped out engines and put in batteries for their workhorses.
One of those manufacturers is Hyundai. It already has an electric commercial vehicle in the form of the Porter EV. Now, there’s a new one coming, and it’s based on a rather familiar model.
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This time around, it’s the Hyundai Staria that gets the EV treatment. Now dubbed the ST1, it has been turned into a customizable cab and chassis van. According to Hyundai, ST1 stands for Service Type 1, indicating that it is the first of what could be more electric commercial vehicles from the brand.
From the front, one won’t mistake it for anything else other than a Staria. The distinctive design is still there, albeit simplified because of the van’s purpose. From the front doors and back, all you’ll see is a wide open space. The rear section can be turned into anything its operator wants it to be to fit various purposes. It's worth saying that the Staria is originally an unibody vehicle, but a frame has been added in this case.
For now, Hyundai hasn’t mentioned and technical specifications. We will have to wait a little longer for its facts and figures, but we’re likely to see a solid number for range given the ST1’s purpose.
Given that it’s possible to put an electric motor in the Hyundai Staria’s body, does this mean we can expect an EV version of the passenger van body? Well, Hyundai didn’t say anything yet, but it’s likely in the realm of possibility. Besides, the Staria already has an electrified option in South Korea with the hybrid version.
