Update (September 2, 2025): The complete article has been updated with the latest info.
There are at least 9 electric MPV and electric minivan models lined up for launch in the next few years, and here is what we know about them.
1. Chrysler Pacifica Electric
At the 2024 LA Auto Show, Chrysler CEO Christine Feuell confirmed to Green Car Reports that the company is working on a Pacifica Electric. The company plans to give the Pacifica a second facelift in 2026 and may launch the Pacifica Electric by 2028.
Feuell said that the Halcyon concept, which Chrysler unveiled in February 2024, would shape the design of its future models. Thus, the Pacifica EV could look quite different from the current ICE Pacifica.
At the 2022 New York International Auto Show in April 2022, Feuell provided 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. Importantly, she hinted that 400 miles would be a good range for allowing customers to enjoy anxiety-free long journeys.
2. 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 former CEO of Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, has said the company is working on the VW ID. California, but did not 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. Considering the slow adoption, we may see the ID. California at dealerships around 2028.
3. Kia PV5
The Kia PV5 is a mid-size electric van developed on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP.S platform for purpose-built EVs. Its futuristic styling, expansive windows, and flat-floor cabin make it practical and quirky. Inside, the minimalist layout accommodates five or seven passengers, with up to 81.8 cu. ft. of cargo capacity.
Two variants are planned initially: a 51.5 kWh pack with a 120 hp/184 lb-ft motor and a 71.2 kWh pack with a 161 hp/184 lb-ft motor. The five-seat version returns a WLTP range of 183 miles with the smaller pack and 256 miles with the larger option. A seven-seat version will join the lineup at a later stage.
Test prototypes of the Kia PV5 were recently spotted in Arizona. CEO Ho Sung Song has stated that while the U.S. launch is still an option, no concrete plans have been made (via Automotive News).
4. Mercedes VLE
Based on the VAN.EA dedicated EV platform, the Mercedes VLE will replace the Mercedes EQV in Europe in 2026. The future model will bring along major improvements across all parameters and seat up to eight people.
The Mercedes VLE will likely feature an 800-volt battery pack that supports DC charging at up to 320 kW, allowing customers to reach 10% to 80% SoC in just about 20 minutes. Select variants may deliver a WLTP range of over 300 miles, a significant improvement over the EQV’s 200-mile figure.
Other highlights should include a two-speed transmission on the rear axle, V2G and V2H bidirectional charging, a 14-inch passenger display, cloud gaming, and a host of new comfort and wellness features.
5. Mercedes VLS
The Mercedes VLS will target VIPs and other more affluent customers with a no-compromise attitude when it comes to comfort. The S-Class of the van world, expected to go on sale in Europe by 2027, will focus more on delivering a class-above experience than transporting maximum people.
Higher-quality materials, better sound insulation, more advanced entertainment features like a rear cinema display, more effective massaging seats, additional wellness functions, and a bouquet of other upgrades should distinguish the VLS from the VLE. Mercedes-Benz is also open to a potential Maybach variant, which tells us that the best of the VAN.EA platform is yet to come.
6. Mercedes large electric camper van
Mercedes-Benz Vans has confirmed the launch of an all-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 a tall, rectangular top hat, designed to offer the maximum possible space in the available dimensions. It will be available with SAE Level 2 autonomous driving assistance right from launch. In the future, it may gain more advanced autonomous driving, such as SAE Level 3. Built-in tailored navigation that takes into consideration large vehicle restrictions for the route and third-party app support will likely be standard.
7. Hyundai Staria EV
Hyundai will launch the Staria EV in early 2026, with sales planned in Europe, Thailand, and Australia, as per a report from The Korea Economic Daily. The company aims to manufacture 15,000–20,000 units annually.
The Staria will gain the EV variant along with a minor design refresh, bringing improvements like redesigned headlights, a new steering wheel, and a new instrument cluster and infotainment system running the ccNC software. Spy shots (via Electrek) show the Staria EV with a distinctive front bumper and grille design to improve aerodynamics and accommodate a charging port.
The Staria EV will use Hyundai’s fourth-generation 84 kWh NCM battery, supporting 10–80% charging in about 20 minutes and offering a range of 324 km (201 miles) in South Korea’s MOTIE test. A smaller 75 kWh option is also likely for customers who accept a shorter driving range, according to a more recent report from The Korean Car Blog.
8. Buick Electra MPV/GL8 EV
General Motors has 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.
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
Celebrating the 2 million production milestone of the Buick GL8 in September 2024, GM unveiled a new energy concept for future premium MPVs called ‘Buick Organic Mobile Private Villa (OMPV).’ The company is likely to design the Buick GL8 EV on the basis of the Buick OMPV.
The GL8 EV is expected to feature a sleeker, more premium exterior with a full-width light bar, vertical headlights, and a sloping roofline. A roof-mounted LiDAR sensor and a large panoramic sunroof are also likely. Inside, customers can expect higher-quality materials, advanced entertainment, and the latest battery and powertrain tech, making it a ground-up EV rather than a conversion of the gas model.
9. 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. Following a 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.
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.
