In a gleaming exhibition hall in Tangerang, Indonesia, a sleek electric minivan rolled onto the stage and drew instant applause. Hyundai had just unveiled the Neira — a seven-seater family vehicle that represents a big bet on electric cars in Southeast Asia. The prototype, shown at the 2026 Gaikindo Indonesia International Auto Show, is designed specifically for Indonesian households, where three-row vehicles are the top choice for families who need space and practicality.
The Neira isn't just any concept car. Hyundai confirmed the production version will roll off assembly lines at its factory in Cikarang, West Java, before the end of 2026 — meaning customers could be driving one within two years. This matters because it shows global automakers are starting to build electric vehicles specifically for middle-income markets, not just wealthy countries.
Under the hood, the Neira shares its core technology with the Kia Carens Clavis EV already selling in India. Platform sharing between Hyundai and its sister company Kia is standard practice — it keeps costs down and speeds up development. But Hyundai has given the Neira its own personality. The front features a smooth, closed-off panel where a gas-powered car's radiator grille would be, which helps the car slice through air more efficiently. A thin LED light strip runs across the top, while vertically stacked lights frame the lower bumper. Silver body trim gives it a rugged, crossover-like look despite its minivan shape.
Inside, the cabin is built around family usefulness. The driver's dashboard pairs a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a matching 12.3-inch central touchscreen for entertainment and navigation. Physical buttons for climate control sit below the screens — a practical touch that drivers still appreciate. Buyers will be able to choose between six-seat versions with individual captain's chairs in the second row or traditional seven-seat setups with a bench seat. Wireless phone charging, USB ports in every row, and rear air conditioning vents come standard.
One standout feature is vehicle-to-load charging, which essentially turns the Neira into a giant power bank. Families could plug in appliances or electronics during a camping trip or during a power outage at home.
Exact specifications remain under wraps, but analysts expect the Neira to match its Kia sibling's powertrain. A single front-mounted electric motor would deliver 171 horsepower and 188 pound-feet of torque — modest by sports-car standards but plenty for hauling a full family up a hill. Two battery options are likely: a 42-kilowatt-hour pack offering roughly 250 miles of range, or a larger 51.4-kWh version stretching that to an estimated 304 miles. At a 100-kilowatt fast charger, either battery can go from 10% to 80% in about 39 minutes.
Hyundai's choice to build locally in Indonesia is strategic. The country sits on the world's largest reserves of nickel, a critical metal in car batteries. By manufacturing nearby, Hyundai can tap into a growing electric vehicle supply chain while potentially offering competitive prices that rival gasoline-powered vehicles. For millions of Indonesian families, an affordable electric minivan with a 300-mile range and fast charging could make going electric a realistic option for the first time.