- Kia has revealed the PV5 as the first of its planned range of purpose-built vehicles
- The PV5 is an electric midsize van that Kia will offer in passenger and cargo forms
- Sales start this year but U.S. availability hasn’t been announced
Kia has revealed the PV5, an electric midsize van, during a special Kia EV Day presentation in Tarragona, Spain, where the automaker also showed the Concept EV2 subcompact crossover and production EV4 compact sedan and hatch.
The PV5 is the first model in Kia’s planned lineup of Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs), designed to cater to specific customer needs, such as delivery vans and shuttles. Both passenger and commercial versions will be available, with additional derivatives possible through proper upfitting. A rugged PV5 for overlanding, as showcased in concept form at the 2024 SEMA show, may also be a future possibility.
In terms of design, the passenger PV5 features a single lift-up tailgate, while the cargo version opts for conventional split rear doors and lacks the extra windows found on the passenger model. Kia has also promised unprecedented flexibility and customization for its PBVs, with some models, including the PV5, to be offered in cab-chassis form.
All PBV models, including the PV5, are based on a unique version of Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform. This PBV-specific variant, known as E-GMP.S, provides greater flexibility for combining various vehicle body types. At the core of this system are standardized key components such as batteries and motors.
Kia PV5
Buyers will be able to choose between 51.5-kwh and 71.2-kwh battery options, while the PV5 Cargo model will also offer a third, smaller 43.3-kwh battery ideal for last-mile deliveries. All configurations come with a single front-mounted motor rated at 161 hp. The maximum estimated range is 248 miles on the WLTP test cycle used overseas, though a lower figure is expected under the stricter EPA test cycle. Charging from 10% to 80% can take as little as 30 minutes when using a suitable DC fast charger.
The PV5’s chassis measures just 175 inches in length, yet the passenger version can still accommodate three rows of seats, while the cargo model offers up to 180 cubic feet of storage volume. For those needing even more space, Kia previewed a larger PV7 concept at 2024 CES, an electric van stretching over 207 inches in length.
Kia PBV Concepts
In addition to the PV5, Kia has confirmed plans to launch a PBV for taxi services, based on the Niro compact crossover. This move further underscores Kia’s commitment to expanding its EV lineup to meet diverse mobility needs.
Sales of the PV5 will begin in Europe and Asia in the second half of the year. Additional markets will be added in 2026, though Kia has not yet confirmed if the U.S. will be among them.
Update: New photos and information following the PV5’s reveal at Kia’s EV Day presentation have been added to the article.