Following the world premiere of the STARIA Electric at the Brussels Motor Show, Hyundai unveiled the new STARIA Camper Concept at the CMT (Caravan, Motor and Tourism) trade fair in Stuttgart.
The concept study is based on the new STARIA and features a revised design, a modernized interior, improved driving dynamics, and advanced technologies. It demonstrates how Hyundai’s futuristic van could evolve into a high-quality recreational vehicle specifically tailored to the European market. Should the concept go into production, it is planned as a fully electric vehicle based on the STARIA Electric.
With the rising demand for electric mobility and adventure travel across Europe, customers are increasingly seeking vehicles that combine everyday practicality with the freedom to travel independently and comfortably. By presenting the STARIA Camper Concept at the CMT trade fair, Hyundai invites camping, caravanning, and adventure enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond to provide direct feedback. This feedback will help assess interest in the STARIA as a camper van and will inform the potential development of a production version of the concept.
The STARIA Camper Concept was developed to enhance comfort, relaxation, and ease of use while traveling. It combines Hyundai’s extensive experience in developing specialty vehicles with a clear focus on the real-world needs of campers. A key feature is the fully integrated, electrically operated pop-up roof, which creates a brighter, more open living space when parked and improves access to the kitchen area.
The pop-up roof was designed to maintain the STARIA’s aerodynamic efficiency while reducing wind noise and turbulence while driving. It is constructed from the same high-quality, body-colored material as the rest of the roof and can be effortlessly raised and lowered at the touch of a button.
For explorers seeking greater independence beyond traditional campsites, the STARIA Camper Concept is designed for extended stays away from civilization. Integrated into the pop-up roof is a lightweight 520W composite solar panel capable of generating up to 2.6 kWh of electricity with an average of five hours of sunshine per day. This system can extend the vehicle’s range or enhance off-grid autonomy for truly adventurous campers by powering onboard features such as a 36-liter refrigerator, a portable shower, and the cabin temperature control system, thus enabling longer, more self-sufficient journeys.
To enhance privacy, security, and overall comfort while driving or resting, the STARIA Camper Concept is exploring the use of electronically adjustable smart glass in the rear of the cabin. Controlled via a dedicated touchscreen module, the system allows for instant adjustment of transparency and tint, while offering significantly improved UV, heat, and sound insulation compared to conventional glass.
Inside, two high-quality individual seats in the front can be electrically rotated 180 degrees to create a spacious, lounge-like communal area. In the rear, the seats fold flat at the touch of a button, quickly transforming the interior into a comfortable sleeping area for two.
A potential production version of the STARIA Camper Concept would be based on the STARIA electric vehicle for the European market. Its advanced 800-volt high-voltage architecture, already proven in the IONIQ 5, IONIQ 6, and IONIQ 9, enables DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 20 minutes under optimal conditions.
The 160 kW (218 hp) front-wheel-drive electric powertrain delivers smooth, predictable performance with very low noise and vibration levels, ensuring a quiet and refined driving experience. For improved ride comfort and a noticeably quieter interior, especially on long highway journeys and under varying load conditions, the vehicle features structural improvements to the front and rear suspension as well as additional sound-absorbing materials.
With an estimated WLTP range of up to 400 kilometers on a single charge, the STARIA Electric is among the electric MPVs with the greatest range in its class, thus underlining its suitability as a basis for a premium electric camper.
