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The VW ID. Buzz initially received a strong reception, but went on to struggle and get pulled from the U.S. market. A big reason was the lack of a camper van like its nostalgic Westfalia Microbus conversion. It looks like Hyundai may try to fill this void with its stunning Staria Electric Camper. The concept photos lit up U.S. social media. On the cars subreddit, Competitive_Cheek607 posted:
“Hell yes, a modern Westfalia/Eurovan”
HaTaX commented on the overall fit:
“This thing looks pretty darn good in my opinion…The ability to move lots of people during the normal week, and give you a place to escape on the weekends is pretty cool. The one downside I see is no bathroom so true off the grid camping will be a bit more troublesome, but if you go to a place that has a bathroom the chances are good they're also going to have a 120V plug. You'll be able to camp without even having a hit on the battery life plus you leave with a full charge.”
Master_Lime_720 noticed the solar panels and commented:
“Just the fact that they took the time to hook the panels to the main battery is awesome. If it has a camp mode, it means you could run climate control while at camp and while charging the main battery in the sun. I love it!”
Lafeber added:
“The additional power to run all the modern appliances comes from the 520-watt composite solar charging panel, providing 2.6 kWh of electricity.”
Icanhaztuthless commented on the price:
“If it’s priced even $10k lower than the buzz, it’ll sell very well.”
Hyundai is going full throttle on the idea of off the grid electric adventure, and the STARIA Camper concept is its clearest signal yet. Built on the STARIA Electric 11 seat MPV that debuted at the Brussels Motor Show, the zero-emission camper is aimed at travelers who want everyday usability combined with true livable mobility. Hyundai is positioning the concept as a conversation starter first with the European camping community, using real world feedback to decide whether it should move into production.
The STARIA’s wide body, flat floor, and airy cabin make it a natural foundation for a camper conversion. Hyundai sees growing demand for electric vehicles that can double as daily drivers and long-distance adventure rigs, and the STARIA Camper is meant to meet both needs. If interest proves strong, Hyundai has made it clear that this concept could become a production electric camper for Europe.
The electrically operated pop top reduces seating to four, creating a comfortable and practical adventure setup. Second row powered seats fold flat into a sleeping area, while a hidden table swings out during the day for meals or remote work. At the rear, a slide out table creates an outdoor dining space, with the trunk serving as both storage and a cargo loading aid. Tucked behind the storage area is a compartment with a detachable shower head for quick cleanups on the road.
A compact kitchen with a sink sits along the driver side wall. It has a top loading refrigerator, and a continuous work surface created by a flat closing lid. Cooking duties are handled by a portable induction cooker or electric stove powered by the vehicle’s battery. A pegboard wall above the worktop provides flexible storage for utensils and everyday gear, while additional compartments hold clothes and personal items.
A major highlight of the STARIA Camper concept is its 520-watt composite solar panel integrated into the pop-up roof. Under ideal conditions, it can generate up to 2.6 kWh of electricity per day, enough to run a 1.3 cubic feet refrigerator, cabin climate control, and the portable shower system. This setup allows for extended off grid stays and adds meaningful autonomy for travelers who want to roam beyond traditional campsites.
Privacy is addressed with electronically adjustable smart glass in the rear cabin, controlled via touchscreen to vary tint levels. Hyundai has also reinforced the front and rear suspension and added sound absorbing materials to improve ride comfort and cabin quietness, especially on long highway drives or with a full load.
A production version would be based on the STARIA Electric platform, featuring Hyundai’s 800-volt architecture already used in models like the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6. This setup supports DC fast charging from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes under optimal conditions. Power comes from a 160-kW front wheel drive motor, delivering smooth and quiet performance.
Bottom Line
The STARIA Electric Camper concept shows how Hyundai envisions the future of electric travel, blending daily practicality with true camper functionality. With smart interior design, significant solar capability, fast charging, and a long driving range, it makes a strong case for an electric camper that does not feel like a compromise. Whether it reaches production will depend on customer response, but the concept already outlines a compelling roadmap for electric van life done right.
The Hyundai Staria Electric
The Hyundai Staria Electric is a spacious all-electric people mover that stands out by blending MPV (multi-purpose vehicle) practicality with EV capability, offering a roomy interior, innovative 800-volt architecture for fast charging, and an estimated range of around 250 miles on its 84 kWh battery, making it great for families, shuttle services, and long trips, it debuted in early 2026 at the Brussels Motor Show and is expected to reach European and Korean buyers in the first half of the year, available in seven-seat and nine-seat body styles with a comfortable, lounge-like cabin, pricing is not yet official but is likely to start in a similar ballpark to other large EVs, roughly in the mid-$40,000 to $60,000 range, and what really sets it apart from many other electric vehicles is its sheer size and versatility, plus there is an exciting Staria camper van option based on the electric platform that adds things like a pop-up roof with solar and off-grid living features for adventurous customers.
What Do You Think?
Could you realistically use a camper like the Hyundai Staria Electric as your everyday vehicle?
At what price would the Hyundai Staria Electric camper become a no brainer?
Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, "The Arrival of The Electric Car." His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.
Photo credit: Hyundai media kit
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