Kia has unveiled the PV5, its first Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) – a model that signals the brand’s bold new direction in the light commercial vehicle market. Designed from the ground up as an electric van, the PV5 goes far beyond traditional LCV design, combining modularity, connectivity and adaptability in a way that sets a new standard for the sector.
Built on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP.S (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service), the PV5 uses a flexible “building block” structure that supports a wide range of configurations. These include Cargo, Passenger, Chassis Cab, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, Light Camper and Crew Van versions. Unlike many electric vans converted from combustion platforms, the PV5 was designed electric-first – giving it the flexibility to evolve with customer needs.
Image: Kia Europe
“The Kia PV5 is an industry-transforming modular, flexible and conversion-ready solution that adapts to the needs of modern businesses and modern lifestyles,” said Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia’s PBV Business Division.
The PV5 also marks a major milestone in Kia’s broader PBV strategy. The company’s global PBV division aims to move beyond passenger cars and establish Kia as a “sustainable mobility solutions provider”, creating a full ecosystem that integrates electrification, modular design and digital connectivity.
Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe, said: “The PV5 represents the beginning of a new era. We are going beyond the boundaries of traditional automotive to deliver true mobility solutions.”
On the road, the PV5 has been engineered for stability, comfort and durability. Its suspension has been tuned for real-world use, ensuring a composed ride whether empty or fully loaded. A low-mounted battery and wide track give it a balanced stance, while careful chassis tuning keeps it stable even at motorway speeds.
Image: Kia Europe
Power comes from a front-mounted electric motor delivering up to 120kW and 250Nm of torque. Two battery options are available – 51.5kWh or 71.2kWh – providing up to 258 miles of range depending on configuration. Real-world efficiency has been optimised too, with just a 1.5% reduction in range for every extra 100kg of payload. Fast charging up to 150kW allows a 10–80% recharge in around 30 minutes, with 22kW AC charging due to follow soon.
Kia Charge customers can currently access almost one million public charging points across Europe, supported by networks such as IONITY. For fleets, Kia is developing depot charging solutions that enable overnight charging, lower energy costs and support smart energy management systems.
Safety has been prioritised through a suite of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control and Lane Following Assist 2. Structurally, the PV5 uses a reinforced dual-annular exoskeleton design and high-strength steel frame, while the battery is protected by multiple layers and 180mm of ground clearance.
Image: Kia Europe
Inside, the PV5 doubles as a connected business tool. Kia’s new PLEOS Fleet system gives operators live data on energy status, tyre pressure, predictive maintenance and driver behaviour. The Push Data API allows businesses to integrate vehicle data directly into their own systems for seamless management.
The PV5 runs Android Automotive OS with a PBV-specific infotainment system and 12.9-inch widescreen display. Drivers can control functions via Kia’s AI voice assistant, while the PLEOS App Market allows operators to install third-party or industry-specific software.
Durability and low running costs have also been key priorities. The PV5 comes with Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, while the battery and motor are covered for eight years/100,000 miles. Predictive maintenance systems, modular body panels and easily replaceable parts like three-piece bumpers are all designed to keep downtime and costs to a minimum.
Kia’s Flexible Body System allows up to 16 variants from a small set of assemblies, giving the PV5 enormous adaptability. The Passenger model offers the lowest floor in its class, making it easier to access and load, with up to 3,615 litres of luggage capacity. The Cargo version provides between 4.0m³ and 5.2m³ of load volume – enough for two Euro pallets – while maintaining a step height of just over 400mm for easier loading.
Image: Kia Europe
Accessibility has been given equal focus. A Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) version includes a side-entry ramp, secure tie-downs and a spacious low-floor layout to make travel easier for passengers and carers alike. It’s part of Kia’s commitment to inclusive mobility and reflects the brand’s awareness of an ageing global population.
To streamline conversions, Kia’s PBV Conversion Centre offers factory-certified adaptations, supported by an online Conversion Portal that provides technical drawings, homologation data and direct engineering support.
Mass production of the PV5 Passenger and Cargo models is already underway at Kia’s Hwaseong EVO Plant in Korea, with additional versions due to follow.
