23 Exciting New Electric Minivan/MPV models on the horizon [Update]

Update: ‘Ford E-Tourneo Courier’ added and ‘Xpeng X9’ and ‘VW ID. Buzz’ updated.

There are more than 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

Ford E‑Tourneo Courier front three quarter charging
The Ford E-Tourneo Courier could deliver a WLTP range of up to around 200 miles. Image Source: Ford

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 series choices, including an Active trim with contrasting roof color, wheel arch moldings, roof bars, and unique seat materials are available.

Powering the E-Tourneo Courier 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 yet, but it says just 10 minutes of a DC fast-charging session adds 87 km (54 miles) to the range. 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 make the E-Tourneo Courier in Craiova, Romania, from H2 2024. The company may launch it in Europe late 2024, with no apparent plans for the U.S. market.

Chrysler Pacifica Electric

In 2016, the Chrysler Pacifica became America’s first plug-in hybrid electric minivan, and in 2021, it enjoyed its best year on the market. Later this decade, it could become one of the country’s first minivans available with a battery-electric powertrain.

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (Chrysler minivan)
Chrysler may launch its electric minivan in the second half of the decade, and it could be the first-ever Chrysler Pacifica EV. Image Source: Stellantis

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. Here’s the brand that invented the modern minivan in 1983, and now they could be at it again with the first all-electric American minivan. 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.

Xpeng X9

During Xpeng Motors’ Q1 2023 earnings conference call on May 24, 2023, He Xiaopeng, the company’s Co-founder, Chairman and CEO, said that a 7-seat Xpeng MPV will arrive in Q4 2023 (October-December 2023). The company chief said they call this model ‘Xpeng X9’ internally. Previously, the media referred to it as the ‘Xpeng H93,’ which is probably its codename for the supply chain.

Spy pictures have shown the Xpeng MPV featuring the signature X Robot Face, consisting of a narrow daytime running light band spread across the width right below the hood shut line and an X-shaped smooth closed body panel flanked by separate main lights below that DRL strip. The main light assembly could integrate LiDAR units as well. While that odd shape could compromise the space in the back, it does help the exterior look more stylish than that of most MPVs, especially from the sides.

Xpeng Motors will launch a C-class model (as per Chinese classification) that “will be at a premium to the current portfolio of products” in 2023, Brian Gu, the company’s Vice Chairman and President, said during its Q1 2022 earnings conference call. The Xpeng X9 will be built on the H platform that Xiaopeng (the company’s Co-founder, Chairman, and CEO) mentioned during its Q3 2022 earnings conference call.

Gu said the new flagship model, which we believe will be the Xpeng H93, will be priced at over CNY 400,000 (USD 56,530). He also revealed that the electric MPV will be a highly profitable product with a gross margin of 20% or more. Xpeng Motors will likely utilize its new SEPA2.0 technology architecture that includes the XNGP full-scenario ADAS solution, the Xmart vehicle OS, and more, for the MPV.

VW ID. Buzz

US-spec 2024 VW ID. Buzz front three quarter rendering
The ID. Buzz will be launched in the U.S. in 2024. The American model (previewed in our rendering) will have a larger battery and a roomier cabin compared to the Euro-spec. Image: Volkswagen.

The VW ID. Buzz is currently available in Europe. However, its U.S. launch will only take place in 2024, following a big premiere of the U.S.-specification model on June 2, 2023. Volkswagen announced on March 6, 2023, that the U.S.-spec ID. Buzz’s debut will be held in the summer of 2023 in California.

Former Volkswagen Group of America President & CEO Scott Keogh had confirmed the U.S.-spec ID. Buzz will have a larger battery pack. It could be the 111 kWh version expected in Europe, although the EPA-est. range could be slightly lower, around 300 miles. Keogh has also said that there’s a huge demand building for the ID. Buzz in the United States.

The version that will be launched in the U.S. will have a 10.6-inch longer wheelbase (around 128.2 inches) and perhaps unique features adapted to the local market. We expect the ID. Buzz to begin around USD 60,000.

VW ID. California

VW ID. California rendering electric campervan
Volkswagen will sell the all-electric ID. California (rendered) alongside a gas-powered T7 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. The U.S. launch of the ID. California could take place in 2025.

Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle

If the California-based startup keeps all its promises, the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle will be one of the most futuristic electric vans on the American market. Designed for maximum cabin space, which incidentally leads to a sci-fi flick exterior, it is available in Base, Premium, Adventure, and Delivery trims. Its interior space is similar to a large SUV, claims Canoo.

Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle Delivery front three quarter
Anticipated specs of this futuristic EV include up to 300 hp and 332 lb.-ft. of peak motor torque, with a 250-mile range. Image: Canoo

The Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle’s exterior dimensions are similar to a compact car’s. Canoo is expecting to offer it with a powertrain that generates up to 300 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque and a battery pack that provides a range of 250 miles. The company aims to price the Base, Premium, and Delivery trims between USD 34,750 and USD 49,950. It has started taking pre-orders with a deposit of USD 100.

Voyah Dreamer

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), an electric Minivan called the Voyah Dreamer. The luxury MPV was shown in a comfort-oriented, luxurious four-seat configuration. The MPV will do 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 5.9 seconds.

Voyah Dreamer front quarter
The Dreamer rides on Dongfeng’s ESSA (Electric, Smart & Secure Architecture) platform. The electric minivan comes with 5G, three screens, a trunk with space for four 24-inch suitcases, and air suspension. Image: Voyah

The Voyah Dreamer MPV measures 5,315 mm in length, 1,980 mm in width, and 1,810 mm in height, and it has a 3,200 mm-long wheelbase. It will be available in 4- and 7-seat versions. The Dreamer is equipped with front and rear motors that deliver 320 kW and a peak torque of 620 Nm. The front seats are 12-way electrically adjustable, while the middle row seats are 8-way power-operated. There are a plethora of features, including massage and electric leg rests for the middle row seats, 5G connectivity, and a Level 2+ autonomous driving system.

The new electric minivan features a fully digital instrument cluster, a large central touchscreen, and a large touchscreen passenger display ahead of the front seats. The rear-seat occupants get reclining seats with wing-type headrests, large leg rests, perforated leather upholstery, fold-out tray tables, and Xiaomi TV.

Dongfeng Group started production of the Voyah Dreamer in Wuhan in April 2022. The company has launched the electric luxury MPV in the domestic market. The launch prices of the seven-seat version ranged from CNY 369,900-439,900 (USD 52,276-62,169), while the prices of the four-seat customized version start at CNY 639,900 (USD 90,434).

European launch

Norway is Voyah’s first overseas market, and the company opened its first retail outlet there in the national capital on June 11, 2022. The first product for the Norwegian market is the Free SUV, following which the Dreamer could arrive in the country as the brand’s second product in 2023.

Maxus MIFA 9

Maxus MIFA 9 front three quarter UK
The Maxus MIFA 9 will reach UK dealers in a short while. Image: SAIC Maxus UK

The production Maxus MIFA 9 electric Minivan (shown as the MIFA concept at Auto Shanghai 2021) debuted at the Guangzhou Auto Show 2021. The MIFA 9 appears elegant thanks to its high-set bonnet and the absence of a large radiator grille. Unlike most MPVs, its bonnet isn’t angled downwards, making it appear muscular. It sports aero-optimized wheels and full-width LED taillamps.

On the inside, the electric van packs generous digital real estate. It features three large screens on the dashboard. A tiny animated virtual assistant can be seen on the extreme right of the dashboard. The MPV can be purchased with either six- or seven-seat configurations. The six-seater gets captain chairs in the second row. All seats are electronically adjustable—even the third-row seats get individual armrests.

The MIFA 9 electric MPV is based on a new platform called the Maxus Intelligent Flexible Architecture (MIFA). It comes with a 93 kWh li-ion battery with a CLTC range of 520 km (323 miles) with a single motor delivering 180 kW (245 PS) and 350 Nm of torque, with a longer range model of 650 km (404 miles) due in 2023.

Parent company SAIC produces the Maxus MIFA 9 at the Lighthouse factory in Nanjing, China. The luxury MPV made its British debut at the 2022 Commercial Vehicle Show that took place in Birmingham from May 24-27, 2022. The new electric van is now available at UK dealerships, with prices starting at GBP 53,588 (USD 66,142). Customers can choose from three trims: Elite, Luxury, and Premium trims.

Maxus MIFA 7

Maxus MIFA 7 front three quarter
The Maxus MIFA 7 will be optionally available with a swappable battery pack. Image Source: China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT).

The Maxus MIFA 9 is getting a younger sibling with the name ‘Maxus MIFA 7’ soon. It flaunts an SUV-like tough front-end with an upright face, vertical headlights, and a chunky bumper. From the sides, though, it looks like a proper MPV due to the large windows and doors. At the rear, vertical tail lamps on extreme ends emphasize the width, and like the headlamps, they seem to have a connecting light strip.

Going by the MIIT declaration, the Maxus MIFA 7 is 4,907 mm long, 1,885 mm wide, and 1,756/1,768 mm tall, and it has a 2,975 mm wheelbase. It is a single-motor 2WD model with 180 kW (241 hp) of power. There are at least two battery pack options, one of which is a swappable unit. Customers will have a choice of six and seven seats in this electric MPV. We expect the Chinese launch in the second half of 2023, followed by a possible European release in 2024.

Zeekr 009

Zeekr 009 roof
The Zeekr 009 is the brand’s inaugural model for the large electric MPV segment. Image Source: Zeekr

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 long wheelbase of 3,205 mm (126.2 in.).

The 009 is the world’s first EV fitted with CATL’s Qilin batteries (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 a WE variant and a ME variant. The WE variant has a 116 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers a CLTC range of 702 km and the ME variant has a 140 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that delivers a CLTC range of 822 km. Both variants use two motors, one on each axle, producing 400 kW and 686 Nm of torque. A 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint takes just 4.5 seconds, which is just crazy for a mammoth like this!

Zeekr launched the 009 as its second model in China on November 1, 2022. It costs CNY 499,000 (USD 70,521) in the WE variant and CNY 588,000 (USD 83,099) in the ME variant. Production started on January 9, 2023.

Zeekr plans to enter most Western European markets by 2026. The company is beginning its voyage with the 001 and X in 2023, and in the future, it may release the 009.

Mercedes EQT

Mercedes EQT front three quarter
The EQT will be built alongside the Renault Kangoo, Nissan Townstar, and the Mercedes T-Class at the Renault plant in Maubeuge, France. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz Group

The Mercedes EQT is a small electric van derived from the T-Class and measures. It has a 2,716 mm (107 in.) wheelbase; a long-wheelbase version will follow later in 2023. The standard van offers 551 liters of cargo space, expandable to 1,979 liters by folding down the rear seats. 516 kg is the maximum payload capacity, and that figure includes an 80 kg roof load.

Mercedes-Benz Vans will offer the EQT in a FWD variant that uses a motor with 90 kW (121 hp) of power and 245 Nm (181 lb.-ft.) of torque. A 45 kWh battery pack enables this motor. The maximum charging input the EQT supports is 22 kW (AC)/80 kW (DC). DC fast-charging from 10 to 80% SoC takes 38 minutes. 282 km or 175 miles is the WLTP range of the small electric van.

The Mercedes EQT’s prices in Europe start at around EUR 49,000 (USD 52,573).

Next-gen Mercedes EQV

Next-gen Mercedes EQV Camper Van teaser
The next-gen Mercedes EQV range will include a Camper Van version. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz Group

Around 2026, a new-generation Mercedes EQV will replace the current model that premiered in 2019. While the current EQV is a conversion of the V-Class, thus an EV developed on a modified ICE vehicle platform, the next-gen EQV could be a bespoke EV. Mercedes-Benz Group is developing a new electric-only platform for electric vans and Light Commercial Vehicles called VAN.EA, and plans to launch the first model in 2025.

The redesigned EQV 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.

Unlike the outgoing EQV, the next-gen EQV will likely be available in the U.S. In an announcement on May 16, 2023, Mercedes-Benz Vans said that it will offer a VAN.EA-based mid-size luxury van for private customers in the U.S.

Mercedes large electric camper van

Large Mercedes electric camper van teaser
The Mercedes-Benz Van line-up will see the addition of a large electric camper van in the future. Image Source: Mercedes-Benz Group

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 Staria will get the third-generation fuel cell system.

Hydrogen-powered Hyundai Staria Fuel Cell EV
The Staria van will feature a new and advanced hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. The company will not launch a battery-electric variant. Image – Hyundai

There are two versions of the 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 good 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.

Kia Carnival EV or Kia Carnival Electric
Maybe not one, but two zero-emission Kia Carnival models are in the making. Image Source: Kia

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.

MINI Urbanaut

Stefanie Wurst, the Head of MINI brand, has told Autocar that a production Urbanaut is “thinkable,” the British publication reported on October 13, 2022. We should hear more about MINI’s plans in due course, once it completes the launch of the new Cooper Electric, Countryman Electric, and Aceman models.

In an interview with Autocar at the 2021 Munich Motor Show, Oliver Heilmer, MINI’s designer, said that bringing the concept to production will be a “long process” as it is a different platform, and some of the features Mini is aiming for (like the steer-by-wire) are not in production yet. A 2025 launch timeline is what reports indicate for the production MINI Urbanaut, following the availability of the BMW Neue Klasse platform.

MINI Urbanaut concept side profile
The production version of the Urbanaut could revive the Traveller brand or merge with the Clubman. Image: BMW Group

The production MINI Urbanaut should pack the maximum available space onto the smallest road footprint. It could borrow design cues from the MINI Concept Aceman, which previews the brand’s new design language. Some reports speculate Mini could revive the Traveller nameplate with the production Urbanaut, whereas others speculate MINI has not yet decided on the name for the electric MPV.

An Automobilwoche report dated July 31, 2022, suggested that the MINI electric MPV could be based on Canoo’s proprietary multi-purpose platform (MPP) architecture. BMW Group doesn’t have the right platform for such a model and licensing the American startup’s platform could be a cost-effective solution to the problem. In addition to giving access to its dedicated EV platform, Canoo could manufacture the MINI electric MPV alongside the Canoo Lifestyle Vehicle in the U.S. which could benefit both parties. BMW has a history of developing proprietary technology, and it remains to be seen how this will play out in the future.

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 by the first half of 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.

XBUS

XBUS, previously called eBussy, is a new retro-style modular van. It is available to pre-order in two chassis variants: Standard and Offroad.

XBUS standard vehicle
The XBUS will hit the European markets in 2025. It will be made by VDL Nedcar in Netherlands. Image: ElectricBrands

The XBUS Standard measures 3,945 mm in length, 1,633 mm in width, and 1,920 mm in height. The XBUS Offroad is just as long, but it measures 1,691 mm in width and 1,970 mm in height. The wheelbase of both variants is 2,200 mm. The XBUS is suitable for various applications, thanks to the availability of various modules: Bus, Transporter, Tipper, Box L, Box XXL, Pickup BUS Double cab pickup, Pickup, Cabrio, and Camper.

The XBUS is an AWD vehicle with four in-wheel motors that produce just 56 kW of power but a whopping 1,200 Nm of torque! The top speed is higher than 100 km/h (62 mph), and the payload capacity is approx. 800 – 100 kg. The load volumes of Cabrio and Camper modules aren’t out yet, but the rest of the range offers up to 2,770 liters.

A 10 kWh lithium-ion battery pack consisting of eight 1.25 kWh modules is standard, but customers can opt for extra modules and expand the capacity to 30 kWh. There’s also a solar roof; the size, positioning, and production capacity depend on the configuration.

Charging the lithium-ion battery pack from 10-80% SoC takes approximately three hours through a single-phase socket at 3.6 kW or less than an hour with a type 2 charger at 11 kW. The base variant with the 10 kWh battery pack should deliver a range of up to 140 km (87 miles), and that’s an official estimate. The higher-end variants with a 30 kWh battery pack will likely travel up to more than 400 km (249 miles) on a full charge.

The XBUS has active and passive safety systems like a crash box, roll bar, and electronic stability program. In the UK, prices start at GBP 17,526.05 (USD 21,632).

The XBUS will enter production at VDL Nedcar’s plant in Born, Netherlands, in 2025. Its European launch will take place in early 2025, but test drives should begin earlier, in late 2024. There’s no plan to release it in the U.S. or Canada. German publications such as SHZ.de say that the brand has received 15,000 reservations.

Li Auto MPV

On March 23, 2023, citing Li Auto CEO Li Xiang, Panda Daily reported that the company has plans to launch six new EVs, including an MPV.

A spy picture (see on carnewschina.com) has revealed some of the details of the Li Auto electric MPV. Shape-wise, it looks like a cross between a Hyundai Staria and a Toyota Previa. It’s just as big and boxy, but with a sloping roofline, it’s a little more aerodynamic. This MPV has a short hood, an expansive windshield, steeply raked A-pillars, a huge front quarter glass, large windows, and notably short overhangs. The egg-shaped MPV’s roofline and upright rear end remind us of the Hyundai Seven concept.

The Sina report states that in 10 minutes of DC fast charging, the EV will gain 249 miles (400 km) range. The MPV will measure between 208-212 inches (5.3-5.4 meters) in length, and the wheelbase will be between 126-134 inches (3.2-3.4 meters).

Li Auto could use CATL’s new CTP 3.0 battery in the electric MPV. Also called “Qilin,” the new cell-to-pack battery boasts a record-breaking volume utilization efficiency of 72% and an energy density of up to 255 Wh/kg. CATL says that EVs using this technology can deliver a range of over 1,000 km (621 miles) in a breeze. The CTP 3.0 battery can deliver 13% more power than the 4680 battery.

Li Auto is constructing a new manufacturing site in Beijing with a production capacity of 100,000 EVs. The plant will be opened in 2023, and the pure-electric MPV is expected to be the first model to be made at this site.

Honda electric minivan

Honda EV lineup
Honda plans to introduce 30 EVs by 2030, and at least one of them will be an electric MPV. Image Source: Honda

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 28 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.

Production Audi urbansphere rendering
The Audi urbansphere concept could inspire a future electric Audi MPV for China. Pictured is TopElectricSUV’s idea of the production vehicle.

The urbansphere belongs to the future where Level 4 autonomous driving is the norm in traffic-dense Chinese megacities. 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. 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.

The Audi urbansphere is currently on display at Auto Shanghai 2023, which opened on April 18, 2023, and will run through April 27, 2023. The electric MPV concept is celebrating its public debut at the event.

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.

Volvo electric MPV

Electric Volvo Minivan rendering
TopElectricSUV’s rendering of the Volvo electric minivan that will debut this year in China.

While Audi contemplates releasing an electric MPV in China, Volvo Cars has apparently confirmed plans to launch a people mover in the country. In a year-end performance communication meeting held to announce the 2022 results and reveal future plans, the company announced that a Volvo electric MPV is in the pipeline (via AutoHome). The model will be revealed during the course of the year.

The Volvo electric minivan could be developed on the SEA platform, and many of its components and features could also be derived from the Zeekr 009, as per Chinese media speculation. It could have similar technical specifications, which may mean a CLTC range of over 800 km or nearly 500 miles. However, unlike the Zeekr minivan, it may also come in a more practical seven-seat version.

Initially, Volvo’s electric MPV might be exclusive to the region. In most markets, SUVs are taking over MPVs, but not in China, thanks to the nation’s new three-child policy. Volvo’s mid-decade line-up will see a showroom of 7 EVs.

Featured Image: VW