The Future Is Here: Electric Minivans

is there a full electric mini van

The electric vehicle market is rapidly expanding, and while there are currently very few all-electric minivans available, several car manufacturers are planning to launch new electric minivan models in the coming years. The electric minivan market is expected to grow, with nearly 20 electric MPV and electric minivan models in the works for release in the next few years. This article will explore the current and future options for those seeking an electric minivan.

Characteristics Values
Number of electric minivan models lined up for launch Nearly 20
Ford E-Tourneo Courier's WLTP range 200 miles
Ford E-Tourneo Courier's DC fast-charging for 87 km 10 minutes
Time taken to charge from 10 to 80% SoC with direct current Less than 35 minutes
Peak DC charging input 100 kW
Maximum AC charging rate 11 kW
Time taken to charge from 10 to 100% SoC with AC charger 5.7 hours
Hyundai Staria EV's battery pack charging time for 10-80% 20 minutes
Hyundai Staria EV's battery pack range 324 km
New Voyah Dreamer's length 5,315 mm (209.3 in.)
New Voyah Dreamer's width 1,980 mm (78.0 in.)
New Voyah Dreamer's height 1,820 mm (71.7 in.)
New Voyah Dreamer's wheelbase 3,200 mm (126.0 in.)
New Voyah Dreamer's seating capacity 4 and 7
Chrysler's first electric vehicle launch year 2025
Number of EVs Chrysler plans to launch before 2028 3

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Chrysler's electric minivan plans

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, with cars, trucks, and SUVs already widely available. However, one vehicle type that has been slower to enter the EV market is the minivan.

Chrysler, a brand synonymous with minivans, is planning to change that. In an interview with Motor Trend in 2022, Chrysler CEO Chris Feull confirmed that an electric minivan is part of the brand's plans. This would not be Chrysler's first foray into electric minivans, having explored the concept in the 1990s with its EPIC minivan, which was powered by lead-acid batteries.

The new electric minivan from Chrysler is expected to be a "multi-purpose vehicle" that pivots away from the "soccer mom" stereotype often associated with minivans. While Feull hinted that it won't simply be a battery-powered Pacifica, but rather a complete rethinking of what a minivan can be.

In 2024, Chrysler launched the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, which offers impressive efficiency without sacrificing space and versatility. The Pacifica seamlessly switches between electric and gas, with an all-electric driving range of up to 32 miles and a combined driving range of over 500 miles. The Pacifica also offers all-wheel-drive capability, enhancing performance in challenging conditions, and boasts safety and security features, making it an ideal family vehicle.

Chrysler's parent company, Stellantis, is accelerating EV plans for its US divisions, so it is likely that we will see the electric minivan from Chrysler in the coming years.

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Ford E-Tourneo Courier

The Ford E-Tourneo Courier is an all-electric multi-activity vehicle with a distinctive SUV-inspired design. It was unveiled in Copenhagen, Denmark, in May 2023 and is expected to be available in Europe by late 2024. There are currently no plans for a U.S. release.

The E-Tourneo Courier offers a spacious and practical design in a compact package. It has short overhangs and direct, straightforward lines that strengthen the exterior's visual width and toughness. The EV-only front end features a futuristic-looking coast-to-coast light bar and the Ford signature chrome diamond grille. The interior has been designed to maximise space, with improved shoulder room and headroom, as well as a range of convenient storage options, including a configurable centre console, a hidden boot cubby, and a 44-litre frunk.

The E-Tourneo Courier is powered by a 100 kW (134 hp) electric motor placed on the front axle. It offers both 11 kW AC and 100 kW DC charging options. A typical overnight AC charge from 10-100% takes 5.7 hours, while a 10-minute DC fast charge can add 87 km (54 miles) of range. The vehicle also offers one-pedal driving and selectable drive modes, including Normal, Eco, and Slippery.

The E-Tourneo Courier features a fully connected cabin with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, as well as a phone charging pad. It also includes a striking "digiboard" instrument panel with a full digital instrument cluster and SYNC 4 infotainment controlled via a large 12-inch touchscreen. Over-the-air updates improve functionality over time without the need to visit a dealership.

The Ford E-Tourneo Courier is part of Ford's mission to achieve zero emissions across all vehicle sales in Europe by 2035. It offers a stylish, spacious, and practical option for customers looking for an electric compact MPV.

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Hyundai Staria EV

There are several electric minivans currently available or in development. For example, the Ford E-Tourneo Courier is an electric compact MPV with a 134 hp electric motor and a range of up to 200 miles. The Chrysler Pacifica, launched in 2016, was America's first plug-in hybrid electric minivan and is expected to become one of the country's first fully electric minivans in the coming years. The Voyah Dreamer is another electric minivan that comes in both plug-in hybrid and electric variants, offering bold styling and advanced safety features like a LiDAR sensor.

Among the options, the Hyundai Staria EV stands out as a highly anticipated electric minivan. Hyundai initially launched the Staria as a gas-powered and hybrid minivan in 2021, and the company is now preparing to introduce its first EV minivan variant. The Staria EV will be powered by Hyundai's fourth-generation 84 kWh EV batteries, offering over 10% more capacity than the ST1. According to reports, the battery pack will enable a charging time of just 20 minutes for a 10-80% charge and deliver a range of 324 km when fully charged.

The Hyundai Staria EV is expected to build upon the strengths of its gas-powered and hybrid predecessors. The Staria is known for its futuristic design, evoking the streamlined form of a spaceship. It offers a spacious interior with a wide-open lounge design, providing flexibility for passengers and cargo. The Staria is available in 7-seater and 9-seater configurations, with the Premium 7-seater variant featuring reclining and sliding Relaxation Seats for maximum comfort.

In terms of technology and safety, the Staria is equipped with wireless smartphone charging, USB-C ports, and a 10.25" digital cluster and touchscreen. It also includes smart features such as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA) and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) for enhanced safety. The Staria Hybrid's powertrain combines a 54 kW electric motor with a 1.49 kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, adding a sporty electric edge to its acceleration and performance.

With its advanced features, spacious interior, and efficient powertrain, the Hyundai Staria EV is expected to be a compelling option in the electric minivan market. Hyundai aims to sell 15,000 to 20,000 units of the EV model annually, contributing to the company's broader plan to introduce 21 electric vehicles by 2030. The Staria EV will not only cater to environmentally conscious consumers but also to those seeking a comfortable and tech-savvy driving experience.

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Volvo EM90 electric minivan

Volvo has expanded its electric portfolio with the EM90, a rear-wheel-drive electric minivan with a first-class cabin. The EM90 is Volvo's first minivan and is initially targeted at the Chinese market, where luxury minivans are popular.

The EM90 is powered by a single electric motor on the rear axle that produces 268 hp, and it features a 116.0-kWh battery that provides a 459-mile range on China's test cycle. The cabin seats six people and includes a 21-speaker sound system, multiple screens, and fold-out tables. The overall design is light and airy, with Volvo's customary ""Thor's hammer" headlights and an illuminated Volvo logo.

The EM90 has a smooth and tranquil design, with subtler details than its cousin, the Zeekr 009. It offers a comfortable and serene cabin experience, with active noise cancellation and air springs that absorb road imperfections. The rear-drive dynamics make the EM90 nimbler than expected for a minivan, and it handles precisely and brakes responsively.

The EM90 is designed to be a "comfortable living room on the move," providing room for loved ones and broadening the appeal of Volvo Cars. While there are currently no plans to export the EM90 outside of China, it leaves open the possibility of expansion in the future.

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Volkswagen's ID.Buzz

There are several fully electric minivans on the market or soon to be launched. For example, Chrysler's Pacifica, first launched as a plug-in hybrid in 2016, could become one of the first fully electric minivans in the US as early as 2024. Ford is also planning to launch the E-Tourneo Courier in Europe in late 2024, with a range of up to 200 miles. Hyundai is working on a pure-electric variant of the Staria, which was launched internationally in 2021, and Voyah has released the Dreamer, available as a plug-in hybrid or fully electric MPV.

One electric minivan that has already hit the roads is Volkswagen's ID.Buzz. The ID.Buzz is a modern, all-electric reinterpretation of the iconic VW microbus, a car entrenched in American counterculture. The ID.Buzz has a modern-vintage feel, with an upright seating position, a low centre of gravity, and plenty of windows for visibility. It has a smooth and fast acceleration on the highway, but its tall body means that it's less stable on winding roads. The ID.Buzz has a utilitarian interior, with a panoramic smart glass roof that can transition from transparent to opaque with a voice command. It's designed for short trips and car camping, rather than cross-country odysseys, and has plenty of space for passengers, but limited room for luggage. The ID.Buzz is priced from $60,000 to $70,000.

Frequently asked questions

There are currently no fully electric minivans on the market. However, there are a few hybrid options available, such as the Chrysler Pacifica and the Voyah Dreamer.

Yes, there are several fully electric minivans that are expected to launch in the coming years. This includes the Chrysler Pacifica EV, the Ford E-Tourneo Courier, and the Hyundai Staria EV.

The electric minivans will have a range of features, including zero emissions, fast charging, and increased storage space. Some models will also have flexible seating arrangements and sliding doors.

The release dates for these electric minivans vary. The Ford E-Tourneo Courier is expected to launch in late 2024 in Europe, while the Chrysler Pacifica EV is expected to launch in the second half of the decade. The Hyundai Staria EV was initially planned for the second half of 2023 but has been delayed.

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