With the PV 5 – electric van, Kia is entering the electric van market full steam. Kia will offer the PV5 van in different variants such as Passenger, Cargo, Freezer Box, and even Light Camper. It is the automaker’s first EV built on a new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business. The passenger and cargo models of the PV5 vehicle are open for pre-order on May 1 in the UK, starting at $44,000 (£32,995) and $37,000 (£27,645).
As per the brand, the electric vans are “total mobility solutions” that offer way more than your average, with advanced tech and software. Also, all PBVs are based on its advanced new E-GMP.S platform, which has a super flexible design and is built to house many different variants.
Look Into KIA’s PV5 Electric Van
The PV5 passenger electric van is 4,695 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,899 mm tall, which is slightly smaller than the European-spec Volkswagen ID. Buzz.
The currently available passenger variant of the PV5 electric van comes with two different battery pack options: 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh, offering a WLTP range of 179 miles and 249 miles. Also, the Cargo model is also offered with the same battery pack options with slightly more range: 181 miles or 247 miles, respectively.
Kia plans to introduce the midsize PV5 electric van to European and South Korean markets in the latter half of 2025, with a broader global rollout anticipated in 2026. Building on its current offerings—which include service, refrigerated, and wheelchair-accessible (WAV) models—Kia is set to expand the PV5 lineup with additional variants, notably a light camper version aimed at leisure and travel enthusiasts.
The PV5 is designed with modularity in mind, allowing for various configurations to meet diverse customer needs. This includes different body styles and specialized conversions, enhancing its appeal across both commercial and personal use cases.
Recently the PV5 “conversion” model was spotted in Korea for the first time. In future it will come in five different variants, such as an open bed (like a truck), top car, prime, light camper, and camper van. There is also a video from ShortsCar, which gives us a glimpse of the new variant as it’s being transported on a car carrier.
In the development of electric vans, Kia also revealed its two new “Spielraum” PV5 concepts last month. It includes a refrigerator, microwave oven, and an added wine cellar. We also have looked at the PV5 “WKNDR”, an “adventure-ready” electric van concept.
Kia has a plan to launch the production version in the second half of 2026 through a new partnership with LG Electronics.
The automaker plans to sell 3,000 to 4,000 electric vans in its first full year of PBV sales and aims to sell around 17,000 PBVs annually. The PV5 is built at Kia’s Hwaseong EVO plant in South Korea, which can produce up to 150,000 units per year.
Kia is also ready with its other adventure following the PV5. It will be the larger EV PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029.
