- 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
- Availability and pricing have yet to be announced
Kia is set to provide a first look at its new PV5, an electric midsize van, during a special Kia EV Day presentation in Tarragona, Spain, on February 24.
The event will also feature the unveiling of the EV4 compact sedan and hatch, along with updates on Kia’s electrification strategy. Full details on the PV5 and EV4 are expected to follow on Feb. 27, including potential information on U.S. availability.
The PV5 is the first in Kia’s planned lineup of purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), designed to cater to specific customer needs, such as delivery vans and shuttles. Kia has confirmed that both passenger and commercial versions of the PV5 will be available, with additional derivatives possible through proper upfitting. The automaker even teased a rugged PV5 concept suited for overlanding at the 2024 SEMA Show.
In terms of design, the passenger PV5 features a single lift-up tailgate door, 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 even offered in cab-chassis form.
Kia PBV Concepts
While Kia has yet to release full specifications, a PV5 concept unveiled at 2024 CES utilized a modified version of Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP platform. Like Kia’s EV3 electric subcompact crossover, it featured a less-expensive single front-mounted motor and 400-volt configuration, rather than the dual-motor, 800-volt setup found in the EV6 and EV9.
The PV5 concept measured approximately 183 inches in length with a wheelbase of nearly 118 inches. The production version is expected to be similar in size. For comparison, the U.S.-spec Volkswagen ID.Buzz, a likely PV5 rival, measures 195.3 inches long with a 127.5-inch wheelbase. For buyers needing even more space, Kia also showcased the PV7 concept at CES, a larger electric van stretching over 207 inches in length.
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 various mobility needs.
