Kia plans to introduce a series of new models based on the PV5. During its PV5 Tech Day event on Tuesday, Kia revealed plans for seven new body types, including a camper (for the van lifers out there), a “Premium” luxury model, and a pickup truck.
Kia converts the PV5 EV van into much more
During the event on Tuesday, Kia gave us a closer look at what it’s calling “the world’s most useful electric mobility vehicle.”
The PV5 is Kia’s first electric van from its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business. According to Kia, the PBVs, or electric vans, are “total mobility solutions,” combining its most advanced software with fit-for-purpose EVs.
“The PV5, which marked the beginning of future mobility, implemented innovations encompassing space maximization, expandability, and connectivity through active communication with customers from the early stage of development,” Joo Su-ha, a managing director at Kia’s R&D headquarters, explained at the event.
Kia claims to be the first to use a unique new development process, enabling a wide range of uses. In fact, Kia found over 1,000 user scenarios through a 3D verification process with local government and institutions.
To unlock its full potential, Kia plans to introduce seven new body types based on the PV5 EV van. These include Passenger and Cargo models, a Cargo Compact (available in 3- and 4-door configurations), and a Cargo High Roof, which was launched in Europe and South Korea last month.
New variations will include an open bed, Light Camper, Prime luxury passenger, built-in truck, and a refrigerated truck.
Kia plans to begin delivering PV5 Passenger and Cargo Long models in its home market next month, followed by Europe and other global markets, starting in the fourth quarter.
With new variants on the way, we’ve already caught a glimpse of a few out in public testing. Last month, we got our first look at the PV5 with an open bed. In May, the Conversion model, which will host new top hats including the Light Camper, was spotted on a car carrier in Korea.
Kia opened pre-orders for the PV5 Passenger and Cargo models in the UK on May 1, starting at £32,995 ($44,000) and £27,645 ($37,000), respectively.
It’s available with two battery pack options: 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh. The PV5 Passenger has a WLTP range of 179 miles and 249 miles, respectively. The Cargo model has the same battery pack options but is rated for a range of either 181 miles or 247 miles.
Kia aims to sell around 3,000 to 4,000 PV5 electric vans in its first full year of sales. But by the end of the decade, the Korean automaker expects to sell around 17,000 PBVs annually.
Following the PV5, Kia will introduce the larger PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029. Kia builds all PBV models at its Hwaseong EVO plant in South Korea, which has the capacity to produce up to 150,000 units per year.
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