A number of mysterious electric Staria-based prototypes have been spied with a huge box van add-on, indicating an upcoming, larger delivery van for the Hyundai Motor Group.
One particular example was spied at an electric vehicle (EV) charging station, with images published by Autospy.
The front end of the prototypes, including the interior, is very clearly shared with the regular Staria.
It’s unclear if these spied camouflaged prototypes are a Staria-based purpose-built vehicle (PBV) for Hyundai, or if they are Kia’s upcoming mid-sized PBV with a Staria mule body.
Regardless, one of the spied van prototypes has ‘PBV LAB EP.01’ written on the large flat tailgate, suggesting it’s a first prototype.
As previously reported, Kia is set to open a dedicated factory for its upcoming PBVs in the second half of 2025.
Kia is currently working on four dedicated vehicles that will use its new eS platform, which is a dedicated electric skateboard platform.
A total of four models have been previously teased, with all of them featuring boxy bodies and short overhangs.
The first to launch will be a mid-sized model, codenamed SW, that’s due in 2025. It will be able to serve not only as a delivery vehicle, but also one for ride-hailing.
The small PBV looks close to a Picanto in size, while a larger PBV will be available for shuttle, mobile office and delivery applications.
Kia has previously said its small and medium PBVs will offer autonomous driving technology.
It plans to produce 150,000 PBVs in the first full year of production, with the potential to increase volume should there be demand.
MORE: Everything Hyundai Staria
MORE: Kia teases its upcoming electric vans, including a robo-taxi
