Kia moves into commercial space with upcoming EV models
Is it a van, is it a ute? Kia’s new radical new PV5 Passenger and Cargo models can be either.
Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz might be the coolest electric cargo van and people mover on the roads right now, but it might not hold that mantle for long if Kia has its way.
The Korean car maker recently showed off the productionised-exterior design of its innovative PV5, which is leading the brand’s charge in introducing a family of electrically powered commercial vehicles and is expected to launch overseas later this year.
This latest reveal follows the brand unveiling a family of electrically powered people movers and commercial goods vans at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas, in January 2024.
There, Kia showed off the PV1, PV5 and flagship PV7 models and said all three were in close-to-production trim, announcing that the mid-size PV5 would be first to market sometime in 2025.
True to its word, the Korean car maker has now shown off the exterior design of what is believed to be the production PV5 ahead of the 2025 Kia EV Day in Tarragona, Spain.
The second such annual EV showcase, the Kia EV Day is a showcase event where the carmaker rolls out its latest and greatest new models, including the PV5 which is described as an electrically powered passenger and cargo vehicle that provides “unprecedented flexibility and customisation through innovative modularity”.
While the earlier Las Vegas concepts pointed to the PV5 having the ability to switch from cargo van to ute, to people mover, courtesy of innovative ‘Easy Swap’ technology using electromagnetic and mechanical couplings, there’s been no mention of the radical transformer tech in this latest update.
What we can see is the final exterior design of the PV5, which Kia says is designed to redefine the concepts of space and mobility, leveraging the car maker’s leading EV technology to fulfil the diverse needs of a broad customer base.
The Kia PV5 Passenger model.
What that means in plain language is that there’s a PV model to suit many applications, ranging from the PV1, a small urban delivery vehicle, to the mid-sized PV5 in three different body styles, and onto the long- wheelbase PV7, which is designed to match EV versions of the Ford Transit and Mercedes-Benz Sprinter.
Kia says it will offer the PV5 in multiple configurations, including van, people-mover, and high-roof van, to meet different usage needs, including passenger and cargo models plus specialised conversion options.
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While the packaging of these individual models is designed to be diverse, all PV5 models share the same contemporary design cues that set it well apart from traditional light commercial vehicle offerings.
Kia says the PV5 Passenger’s geometric profile delivers excellent visibility thanks to the large window area and low beltline, with a window area framed by striking black graphic glass surrounds that contrast with the body colour.
The upper cabin is stylistically linked with the more rugged and purposeful lower body via rugged black wheel-arch claddings and rocker panels lend the PV5 and SUV-like appearance.
The Kia PV5 Cargo shares the same geometric design as the PV5 Passenger but features a boxier profile that reflects its enhanced space efficiency. Twin side-opening tailgate doors provide optimal practicality and easy access for loading and unloading.
While there are no other technical details available at this stage, earlier reports in overseas media have suggested the PV5 will be built on the 400-volt architecture used in the Kia EV5 SUV, as opposed to the more expensive 800V technology that underpins the EV6 and EV9 SUVs.
Its expected there’ll be the option of cheaper single-motor front-wheel drive variants as well as more powerful and expensive dual motor all-wheel drive versions.
Kia Australia has not yet confirmed the PV5 for Australia but given its impending push into the commercial vehicle space with the Tasman ute, and the growing number of electric options in the goods van space including the Ford E-Transit and VW ID. Buzz Cargo, there’s a high likelihood the electric van will be in the frame for an Australian debut at some stage.
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