Update: ‘VW ID. Buzz LWB,’ ‘VW ID. California,’ ‘Voyah Dreamer,’ ‘Zeekr 009,’ ‘Next-gen Mercedes V-Class Electric,’ and ‘Hyundai Staria FCEV’ updated and ‘Zeekr Beluga,’ ‘Zeekr Mix,’ ‘LEVC L380,’ and ‘Maextro electric MPV’ added.
There are nearly 20 electric MPV and electric minivan models lined up for launch in the next few years, and here is what we know about them.
Ford E-Tourneo Courier
The Ford E-Tourneo Courier is the MPV version of the E-Transit Courier van. The five-seat electric compact MPV offers a zero-emission alternative to the gas-powered Tourneo Courier EcoBoost and flaunts an exclusive front end featuring a full-width light bar and Ford signature chrome diamond grille. A variety of stylish trim choices are available, including an Active version that boasts a contrasting roof color, wheel arch moldings, roof bars, and unique seat materials.
Powering the E-Tourneo Courier is a 100 kW (134 hp) electric motor, placed on the front axle. One-pedal driving is possible in the electric compact MPV. Ford hasn’t revealed the battery pack capacity and range but says that just 10 minutes of DC fast-charging will add 87 km (54 miles). Charging from 10 to 80% SoC with direct current takes less than 35 minutes. The peak DC charging input is 100 kW and the maximum AC charging rate is 11 kW. When plugged into an AC charger, the EV takes 5.7 hours to reach from 10 to 100% SoC.
Ford plans to manufacture the E-Tourneo Courier in Craiova, Romania, starting as late as December 2024, with a European launch expected in late 2024. There are currently no plans for a U.S. release.
Chrysler Pacifica Electric
In 2016, the Chrysler Pacifica became America’s first plug-in hybrid electric minivan. By the second half of this decade, it could become one of the country’s first fully-electric minivans.
In a conversation with MotorTrend in January 2022, Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell indicated that a Chrysler Pacifica Electric is in the pipeline. The model could be a part of the second-gen Pacifica range and revealed in the second half of the decade. Feuell wants to change the way Americans perceive minivans and could design its electric minivan from a clean sheet. Giving the design an SUV-like feel, similar to what Kia did to the Carnival, wouldn’t be a bad idea, though she didn’t signal a change of that sort was coming.
Speaking with Automotive News Canada in February 2022, the CEO said that the minivan segment would continue being the “mainstay” for Chrysler. Feuell said that the company wants to continue transforming that segment but did not confirm details.
At the 2022 New York International Auto Show in April 2022, Feuell provided more indications on what to expect from the Pacifica EV or the Pacifica electric successor. Talking to Green Car Reports, she suggested that the electric minivan may feature the Pacifica’s Stow ‘n Go seating or a new version of the same. More importantly, she hinted that 400 miles would be a good range for allowing customers to enjoy anxiety-free long journeys.
VW ID. Buzz LWB
The U.S.-spec VW ID. Buzz is a new, long-wheelbase version of the electric minivan that was introduced in Europe in 2022. It includes an additional row of seats and, depending on the configuration selected, can accommodate six or seven people.
The U.S.-spec VW ID. Buzz features dual power-sliding rear doors with small power-sliding windows, a power tailgate, a dimmable panoramic sunroof—the largest sunroof on any Volkswagen Group model, a removable center console, two captain’s chairs, and more. A 91 kWh (gross) battery pack is standard, and two powertrain options are available: 201 hp single-motor and 282 hp dual-motor. 99 mph is the top speed.
The 2025 VW ID. Buzz will go on sale in the U.S. by the end of 2024. It will come in Pro S (RWD), Pro S Plus (RWD/AWD), and 1st Edition (RWD/AWD) trims, with prices ranging from USD 59,995 to USD 69,995. A USD 1,550 destination fee will be applicable over the MSRP across the line-up.
VW ID. California
Following the VW ID. Buzz, Volkswagen will launch an all-electric campervan under the VW ID. range. Volkswagen Group announced this surprise electric minivan as the ‘VW ID. California’ in the Planning Round 70 it conducted in December 2021. The company said that it would manufacture the ID. California in Hannover, Germany.
Dr Carsten Intra, the CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, has said the company is working on the VW ID. California, but it didn’t announce a release date because it is “waiting for the customer response,” Auto Express reported on May 8, 2024. Demand for an all-electric campervan isn’t strong at the moment, he added. Plus, with the long-wheelbase ID. Buzz global rollout still in progress, the ID. California may not debut anytime soon. 2026-27 could be the year we may see it at dealerships at the earliest.
Voyah Dreamer facelift
China’s Dongfeng Group’s high-end EV brand Voyah (‘Lantu’ in Chinese) unveiled its second product at the 2021 Guangzhou Auto Show (19-28 Nov 2021), a new minivan called the Voyah Dreamer. The luxury MPV was shown in a comfort-oriented, luxurious four-seat configuration. Now, it has received a revised styling and some new features to stay fresh in the fiercely competitive domestic market.
The new Voyah Dreamer MPV measures 5,315 mm (209.3 in.) in length, 1,980 mm (78.0 in.) in width, and 1,820 mm (71.7 in.) in height, and it has a 3,200 mm (126.0 in.) wheelbase. It will be available in 4- and 7-seat versions. The Dreamer is available in plug-in hybrid and electric variants, and in the latter, it is equipped with front and rear motors that deliver 320 kW (429 hp) and a peak torque of 620 Nm (457 lb.-ft.).
The new Voyah Dreamer gets a bold exterior featuring a prominent grille, swept-back headlights, elegant wheels, and technical-looking tail lamps. There’s also a LiDAR sensor at the front of the roof, helping it get a better understanding of the surroundings for higher safety.
The new electric minivan has a sumptuous interior in light and rich color schemes, featuring a sleek dashboard, floating displays, sleek AC vents, and soft mood lighting. From a 17.3-inch 3K roof-mounted rear entertainment screen to reclining zero-gravity seats with electrically adjustable leg rests, wing-type headrests, and 6-inch control screens built into the armrests, and a 13-liter double-door refrigerator, comfort and convenience features are aplenty in the cabin.
Dongfeng Group manufactures the new Voyah Dreamer in Wuhan, China. The company will likely begin deliveries in Q4 2024 (October-December 2024).
Zeekr 009
The Zeekr 009, is the second model from Geely Auto’s premium EV brand and has a refined and sophisticated look. The tall and boxy grille houses lights inspired by the pipe organ, with a thick slab of chrome tipping its upper edge. The split headlamps comprise inverted U-shaped LED DRLs on the top and horizontal main beams in the middle section.
The 009 is a six-seat electric MPV based on Geely’s SEA platform. It is 5,209 mm (205.1 in.) long, 2,204 mm (86.8 in.) wide, and 1,848 mm (72.8 in.)/1,856 mm (73.1 in.) tall. It has a wheelbase of 3,205 mm (126.2 in.).
The 009 is the world’s first EV fitted with CATL’s Qilin batteries with a range (presumably as per CLTC) of 1,000 km (621 miles). Based on CATL’s third-gen cell-to-pack technology, the new batteries allow a record-breaking volume utilization efficiency of 72% and a high energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg. Fast-charging (presumably from 30 to 80% SoC) takes just 10 minutes).
Zeekr offers the 009 in China in FWD and AWD variants. The former has one motor, which produces 310 kW (416 hp) and 440 Nm (325 lb.-ft.) of torque, while the latter uses two motors that generate 580 kW (777 hp) of total power and 810 Nm (597 lb.-ft.) of combined torque. A 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint takes 6.9 seconds in the FWD variant but just 3.9 seconds in the AWD variant, which is just crazy for a mammoth like the 009!
A 108 kWh NCM battery pack is standard in the Zeekr 009. It delivers a CLTC range of 740 km (460 miles) in the FWD variant and 702 km (436 miles) in the AWD variant. Prices start at CNY 439,000 (USD 61,836) and go up to CNY 469,000 (USD 66,062).
Zeekr plans to enter most Western European markets by 2026. The company began its voyage with the 001 and X in 2023, and the 009 may eventually join the lineup in Europe, with the brand currently present in Germany, France, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands.
Next-gen Mercedes V-Class Electric
In 2026, a Mercedes V-Class Electric will replace the Mercedes EQV. Given that the EQ nomenclature is in its runout phase, Mercedes-Benz Vans may release the redesigned van as the Mercedes V-Class Electric. While the current electric minivan is a conversion of the gasoline-engined V-Class, the next-gen model will be a bespoke EV.
Mercedes-Benz Vans is developing a new electric-only platform for electric vans and Light Commercial Vehicles called VAN.EA and plans to utilize it first for the Mercedes EQV successor. According to a report from JESMB, specifically the VAN.EA-P version of the new platform will underpin this model.
The future electric MPV should be more space- and energy-efficient and more luxurious. It will likely deliver a range of well over 500 km (311 miles) and be available with SAE Level 2 autonomous driving right from launch. The JESMB report says SAE Level 3 autonomous driving will become available by 2030. Thanks to an 800-volt battery pack, charging will be a breeze, with 10-80% sessions expected to take just about 20 minutes.
Based on its prototype drive review, electrive.com says the upcoming V-Class Electric feels closer to the S-Class than the Sprinter. It drives notably faster and is much more easily manoeuvrable. It has a much smaller turning circle and thus feels rather like the B-Class.
Unlike the EQV, the V-Class Electric is likely to be offered in the U.S. In May 2023, Mercedes-Benz Vans confirmed plans to bring a VAN.EA-based mid-size luxury van to the U.S. market.
Mercedes large electric camper van
Mercedes-Benz Vans has confirmed the launch of a pure-electric large camper van. The bigger model will be based on the VAN.EA-C platform, and is expected after 2026.
The large electric camper van will be basically a large box on wheels, designed to offer the maximum possible space in the available dimensions. It will be available with SAE Level 2 autonomous driving right from launch. In the future, it may gain more advanced autonomous driving up to SAE Level 4. Built-in tailored navigation that takes into consideration large vehicle restrictions for the route and third-party app support will likely be standard.
Hyundai Staria FCEV
The Hyundai Staria FCEV was announced at the IAA 2021 (2021 Munich Motor Show), with a market launch planned in the second half of 2023. The company had to postpone the model, though, possibly because it is facing issues with the development of the fuel-cell stack. The low demand for the Hyundai Nexo doesn’t help either. A new launch timeline is not yet available.
The Staria will get the third-generation fuel cell system. There are two versions of this fuel cell system (100 kW and 200 kW), and the Staria FCEV is expected with the 100 kW cell. The third-generation fuel cell system is 30 percent smaller than the Nexo’s unit and should allow engineers to maintain the interior space the Staria offers. Sales of the Staria FCEV will be exclusive to countries with a robust network of hydrogen refueling stations.
Kia Carnival EV
Kia’s growing presence in electric vehicle segments could include an MPV by 2025. According to South Korean media, a Kia Carnival EV is in the pipeline. This electric MPV could be a conversion of the current, fourth-gen Carnival, one of the last Kia models without electrification in the United States.
In addition to a Kia Carnival EV, a Kia Carnival FCEV could be in the making. On September 14, 2022, Maekyung.com reported that Kia plans to introduce a hydrogen-powered Carnival after it completes the rollout of hydrogen military vehicles. A week after this news broke, the company showcased three hydrogen military vehicles at DX Korea 2022 (September 21-25, 2022). The Carnival FCEV could pack the same powertrain as Hyundai’s Staria Fuel Cell.
BYD Yangwang Premium MPV
BYD’s upcoming premium electric brand, which goes by the name ‘Yangwang’ will target the electric MPV segment, though it first plans to launch a rugged electric SUV. As per a report Sina Finance published on August 25, 2022, and an electric MPV is expected in 2024.
The director of the premium brand, Zhao Changjiang, took to social media in November 2021 to collect feedback from netizens regarding a large 7-seat MPV. Given the premium positioning, we can expect the MPV to offer a range of 800+ km (500 miles) thanks to the BYD Blade Battery and the lightweight e-Platform 3.0.
Honda electric minivan
Announcing its EV strategy on April 12, 2022, Honda said it will launch 30 electric vehicle models worldwide by the end of the decade. With a wide selection of 30 electric vehicles ranging from commercial-use mini-EVs to flagship-class sports cars, Honda aims to start producing more than 2 million EVs annually by 2030.
Along with the announcement, Honda released a broad teaser having the silhouettes of its planned future EVs. As shown in the picture above, one of the teased models is a flat and boxy people mover. This Honda electric minivan seems to have proportions similar to the Honda StepWGN (Honda Step Wagon), which sits between the Freed and Odyssey in Japan. Honda is expected to share more details about its new electric cars in 2023.
The Odyssey has been a faithful servant to Honda’s American operations for the last 30 years. Honda has no better choice than to reinvent it as an all-electric vehicle for the future.
Audi urbansphere
The Audi urbansphere concept, revealed in April 2022, is the third and final Audi “sphere” concept. It’s a luxurious electric van that Audi’s Beijing and Ingolstadt design studios jointly developed for Chinese customers.
Measuring 5.51 meters (216.9 in.) in length, 2.01 meters (79.1 in.) in width, and 1.78 meters (70.1 in.) in height, and with a wheelbase of 3.40 meters (133.9 in.) it’s a truly grand MPV.
The urbansphere concept is an ultra-luxurious people mover for four individuals in traffic-dense Chinese megacities. The rear seats particularly offer a lot of comfort, allowing the passengers to tilt them up to 60 degrees and extending leg rests, too. A transparent OLED screen allows video conferencing, watching movies, and more, to make the best possible use of time on the go.
Based on the PPE platform, the Audi urbansphere has a 120+ kWh battery pack that should provide a WLTP range of up to 750 km (466 miles). With a DC fast-charging power of 270 kW, it can charge up from 5 to 80% in less than 25 minutes. Just 10 minutes of charging can provide a range of more than 300 km (186 miles). There is no official confirmation, but Audi is likely to launch a production electric MPV inspired by this concept this decade, designed for large metropolitan cities.
Buick Electra MPV/GL8 EV
General Motors announced on June 1, 2022, that it had planned several Buick electric vehicles. The brand remains committed to the Chinese market, where five all-new electric vehicles based on GM’s Ultium platform will be introduced through 2025. GM has confirmed an electric Buick MPV, but no further details have been released yet. Future Buick EVs will take the ‘Electra‘ prefix.
Buick’s all-new EV portfolio will be empowered by the revolutionary Ultium platform, covering the mainstream MPV, SUV and sedan segments.
Buick announcement (via media.gm.com) on June 1, 2022
General Motors has also confirmed an all-electric Buick GL8 MPV for China. “The Buick GL8 and this one is really, the GL8 in China for Buick has really been a hit for many, many years. So now we electrify that,” said Mark Reuss, President of General Motors, at the 2022 GM Investor Day on November 17, 2022.
It is expected that the GL8 EV will be slotted above the Century – the current flagship of the GL8 range. Moreover, the all-electric GL8 is to employ the latest Ultium-derived platform, battery & powertrain technologies, and won’t be a conversion-type model. General Motors is yet to release any official details regarding the design and features/specifications, but it is likely to carry forward the ‘GL8’ branding to the all-electric model, citing the nameplate’s significance in China. That said, we suspect ‘Electra’ to be a prefix in all future Buick EV models.
GAC Aion Hyper MPV
In 2022, GAC Group’s Aion brand introduced a new sub-brand called ‘Hyper.’ The Hyper family consists of the SSR electric supercar and the GT electric four-door coupe. Looking ahead, the lineup is expected to expand with the inclusion of a medium-sized and large electric SUV, potentially resembling a model like the Lotus Eletre. Additionally, the company has confirmed plans for an electric MPV.
The GAC Aion Hyper MPV will likely be a high-end offering that will compete with the likes of Zeekr 009 and Denza D9. Expect an outlandish exterior in a familiar shape and a minimalist interior with plenty of space, high-end comfort features, and a bank of large screens. Seating layout options should include captain’s chairs for all rows.
The GAC Aion Hyper MPV may deliver a CLTC range of at least 600 km (373 miles) and have a starting price of around CNY 450,000 (USD 63,386). It could debut and go on sale in China in 2024.
Zeekr Beluga
Zeekr, Zhejiang Geely Holding’s high-tech electrified vehicle brand, forayed into the MPV space with the 009 in 2022 and introduced the Mix as the second people mover in 2024. After another two-year gap, in 2026, it will release the third such model, codenamed ‘Beluga,’ a CarsNewsChina.com said in a report citing Deutsche Bank on June 21, 2024. There’s no word on the positioning or other details of the Zeekr Beluga yet.
Zeekr Mix
The Zeekr Mix is a mid-size MPV based on the new SEA-M platform, designed with a strong emphasis on a driverless interior layout with a living room-like space. The EV highlights its truly advanced autonomous driving capabilities with two swiveling front seats that can rotate 270º. Zeekr has created a provision in the model to decouple its steering wheel when autonomous driving technology developments and regulatory authorities allow that in the future.
The capsule-shaped Mix accommodates five people comfortably, thanks to its impressive wheelbase-to-length ratio. The electric MPV is only 4,688 mm (184.6 in.) long yet has a 3,008-mm (118.4 in.) wheelbase. It is technically ready for a steer-by-wire system and has a turning radius of less than 5 meters (16.4 ft.). Zeekr says all SEA-M platform models will qualify for IIHS’ Top Safety Pick.
The Zeekr Mix will go on sale in China in Q4 2024 (October-December 2024).
LEVC L380
The London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC), also a Zhejiang Geely Holding subsidiary, have developed a full-size luxury MPV called ‘LEVC L380.’ It features a conventional shape but with some modern details like low-mounted headlights, separately placed, full-width DRL strip, flush-fitted door handles, and end-to-end tail light.
The LEVC L380 has a minimalist interior with many highly digitalised functions operated through multiple screens. It is an opulent cabin with features like aircraft-inspired first-class reclining seats, a 2.18m-sq panoramic glass roof, and bright chrome and crystal decor inserts. Depending on the configuration, it accommodates up to 8 people.
The LEVC L380 is available in 200 kW/343 Nm single-motor and 400 kW/686 Nm dual-motor variants that accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds and just 5.5 seconds, respectively. The single-motor variant has a 100 kWh or 116 kWh battery pack, which gives it a CLTC range of 570 km (354 miles) to 675 km (419 miles). The dual-motor variant uses a 140 kWh battery pack that delivers a significantly higher CLTC range of up to 805 km (500 miles).
Deliveries of the LEVC L380 have commenced in China. LEVC plans to launch its new EV in the UK by 2026.
Maextro electric MPV
Maextro, which is JAC and Huawei’s new joint venture brand, is working on an electric luxury MPV. According to a report from CarNewsChina.com, the duo aims to compete with cream-of-the-crop luxury brands like Mercedes-Maybach and Rolls-Royce and price its models around CNY 1 million (approx. USD 141,000).
The Maextro electric MPV is expected to measure 5.2 meters (204.7 inches) in length with a wheelbase of 3.2 meters (126.0 inches). Recent spy shots reveal a bonneted front design, which enhances safety compared to cab-over MPVs. Additionally, a LiDAR sensor is visible, mounted on the front of the roof. As LiDAR technology becomes more prevalent in Chinese electric vehicles, it’s likely that this high-end model will include it as a standard feature.
The Maextro electric MPV could go on sale in China in spring 2025.
A Mechanical Engineer by qualification, I started out as an automotive editor of a regional magazine in 2011. In my 11 years of experience in creating automotive content, I’ve traveled around the world to review, analyze and report on the world’s top electrified cars.
