- Hyundai just revealed a luxurious electric caravan concept
- Its integrated solar panels power countless accessories.
- They have a refrigerator, shower and double bed.
The Hyundai Staria is a popular sight on the streets of South Korea, used by posh taxi companies as a way to transport business people and VIPs in style.
Well, the space-age people carrier has just received a modern makeover and the seven- or nine-seater model is set to spread its wings outside its home market with an all-electric version landing in Europe sometime this year.
To celebrate this fact, Hyundai recently presented a Staria Camper Concept at the CMT (Caravan, Motor und Touristik) show in Stuttgart.
Pushing the boundaries of the term multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), the luxury caravan is arguably one of the wet and stylish ways to live off the grid, with a fully integrated power pop-up roof allowing occupants to comfortably walk around the cabin.
This is essential, as the concept also includes a fully integrated kitchen, including refrigerator, sink and hobs. Lighting and temperature control is done via a portable tablet, which features a custom-made case mounted on the wall for charging.
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Keeping all these devices recharged shouldn’t come at the expense of electric range, which Hyundai says is around 250 miles on the 800V fast-charging all-electric Staria on which the camper is based.
Integrated into the pop-up roof is a lightweight 520W composite solar panel, capable of generating up to 2.6 kWh of electricity per day, based on an average of five hours of sunlight per day, Hyundai claims.
This solar system can be used to extend the driving range or, in other words, charge the vehicle’s batteries very slowly, or be used to power elements such as the lights, the 36-liter refrigerator and the cabin temperature control system.
The plush rear seats also fold down into a very comfortable-looking double bed, while an integrated shower ensures owners can wake up and freshen up for the day.
The water is stored in an onboard tank and heated electrically, either by the vehicles’ batteries or by solar energy.
Off the grid it becomes luxury
Hyundai says it is exploring the motorhome concept because it feels demand for electric mobility and experiential travel is accelerating across Europe, stating that its customers are “increasingly looking for vehicles that combine everyday usability with the freedom to travel independently and comfortably.”
The company has certainly hit the nail on the head with the Staria Camper, proving that minivans, minivans and even van derivatives, like Kia’s latest PV5, have a place in the electrified landscape. Sure, the SUV might be the most popular body style in the world, but that doesn’t necessarily mean everyone wants one.
Unfortunately, there is no official date for an official production of this caravan variant, but the company is consulting the public to see if there is an appetite for one.
If so, it could reach production and I want to be the first to try it.
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