Kia Enters the Electric Van Market with the PV5

(Posted on 26/02/25)

Kia has officially stepped into the electric van game with the reveal of its first-ever model, the PV5. Ready to challenge the likes of the VW ID. Buzz, this bold move brings Kia one step closer to launching its electric van—and the competition is definitely about to get interesting!

Kia has just released exterior photos of the production-ready PV5 electric passenger and cargo vans. The vehicle will be offered in three body styles, with more details expected soon, including technical specifications and interior photos, set for release at the end of February.

Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs) will soon be joined by a larger PV7, set to launch in two years time. This model is designed to compete directly with the Ford Transit and Geely-owned Farizon SV.

The PV5 has been engineered from the ground up as a purpose-built electric van, rather than being adapted from a combustion engine platform.

While Kia has yet to confirm technical details, the PV5 concept unveiled in 2024 was built on a modified version of the E-GMP platform—the same advanced architecture that powers several of the brand’s electric SUVs. This suggests the production model will share key performance and efficiency benefits with Kia’s established EV lineup.

The PV5 is expected to feature a single front-mounted electric motor and a 400V electrical system, mirroring the entry-level EV3. As a result, it will likely share the same 201bhp and 220 lb-ft motor, which powers the EV3 from 0-62mph in 7.6 seconds. However, performance figures will naturally differ for the van due to its larger size and weight.

The EV3 is offered with 58.3kWh and 81.4kWh battery options, delivering a range of 270 or 374 miles, respectively. While a larger and heavier van will see different range figures, this provides a strong indication of what to expect from Kia’s electric commercial lineup.

The PV5 Passenger boasts a boxy design with practical rear access. Its large glass windows stretch to the rear, offering plenty of visibility, while the cargo version replaces these windows with solid panels for added functionality.

It comes equipped with a single lift-up tailgate at the rear, complemented by a low belt line and large window area for enhanced visibility. Additionally, twin side-opening tailgate doors allow for easy loading and unloading, ensuring maximum convenience.

Currently, the PV5 has been unveiled in both passenger and cargo van forms, but Kia has confirmed that more variants will be showcased at its upcoming EV Day event at the end of February.

Visually, the production model is expected to stay true to the concept, featuring aggressive LED daytime running lights positioned high on its bold, truck-like front end, while the main beam headlights are integrated into the lower bumper.

The interior has yet to be fully revealed, but exterior images released by Kia show a split instrument and infotainment display setup—differing from the brand’s typical design, which usually incorporates a single, unified screen.

The cargo area of the PV5 is set to feature an innovative rail system on both the floor and ceiling, allowing for easy installation and removal of items such as seats and cabinets. While Kia has yet to confirm the exact seating capacity, the similarly sized Volkswagen ID. Buzz is available in five-, six-, and seven-seat configurations, providing a possible reference point.

These modular accessories will be part of Kia’s broader PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) ecosystem, which will also include software solutions for tasks like fleet management.

Kia has indicated that prices for the PV5 will start at around £30,000 in the UK, with deliveries expected to begin in October 2025.