Kia is going all-in on electric mobility. In addition to the EV4 and Concept EV2, the Korean automaker also unveiled the PV5, the first dedicated model in its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business strategy. So what’s up with this cargo-looking automobile?
Think of the PV5 as a van that moonlights as a Swiss Army knife. It comes in three flavors—Passenger, Cargo, and Chassis Cab—designed to swap between business and leisure faster than your average midlife crisis. Kia calls it “modularisation,” but let’s be real—it’s basically the electric van version of IKEA furniture.
Built on the Hyundai’s E-GMP.S platform, the PV5 offers a range of up to 400 km (249 miles) and 30-minute fast charging, making it ideal for everything from ride-hailing to hauling questionable Craigslist purchases. The Cargo version even fits two Euro pallets, perfect for all your “definitely legal” shipments.
As far as the battery goes, both the passenger and cargo variant gets the option of 71.2 kWh and 51.5 Wh. However, the cargo gets an additional option for a low-capacity pack of 43.3 kWh. Be it the passenger or cargo, it is powered by a 120 kW (161 HP) motor with 250 Nm (184 lb-ft) on the tap.
If customization is your thing, Kia’s got you covered. Want a rolling freezer? Done. Need a wheelchair-accessible van? No problem. There’s even a camping version on the horizon because nothing screams adventure like a van that was delivering frozen fish last week.
Set to launch in Korea and Europe in the second half of 2025, the PV5 will roll out to other markets later. Pricing? Kia’s keeping that under wraps for now, but given its utility, it might just be the best thing to happen to delivery drivers since GPS.
Kia said the PV5 will make its UK debut at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle (CV) Show (April 29 to May 01, 2025).
Images: Kia Motors.