The Kia PV5 is a futuristically styled commercial vehicle that’ll be offered in van, people mover and cab-chassis variants, though it hasn’t been locked in for Australia.
“Kia Australia has its hand up to receive as many new EV models as possible including PV5 however, it hasn’t been confirmed for Australia as yet,” said a company spokesperson.
After its exterior was revealed earlier this year, Kia has now detailed the PV5 ‘purpose-built vehicle’ (PBV) at its EV Day in Spain.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Sales of the PV5 will begin in Korea and Europe in the second half of this year, with other markets to follow in 2026.
The PV5 will be produced in a dedicated PBV plant.
It’s underpinned by the dedicated electric E-GMP.S ‘skateboard’ platform, which Kia says incorporates the Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) that “standardises essential components such as batteries and motors” to streamline development and reduce costs.
It will be offered with 43.3kWh lithium iron phosphate or 51.5kWh or 71.2kWh nickel manganese cobalt batteries.
The smallest battery is exclusive to the cargo van, while only a 120kW/250Nm electric motor will be offered across the range.
Kia is claiming a maximum electric range of 400km with the largest battery. It’ll take 30 minutes to fast-charge the PV5 from 10 to 80 per cent.
The PV5 range extends beyond simple cargo van, people-mover and cab-chassis variants.
There’s a crew van with lashing points and L-tracks for securing cargo; a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle with a “universal wheelchair belt fastening system” and a tip-up third row for easy boarding; and a ‘Family’ version of the people mover.
The cargo van will be offered with a high roof specification, featuring an additional roof console and a “sinking” passenger seat plus a sliding door in the partition.
As with the other cargo vans, it will be offered with either a two- or three-seat layout, as well as an ‘L-track’ mounting system with two rows on each side of the cargo area, two rows along the headlining, and one row on the partition wall.
The cab-chassis will be supplied with the front section of the cargo van but an unfinished rear, featuring a flat structure with side collision protection for the battery, that will allow it to be converted to a drop side, box or freezer box model.
Kia also says it aims to offer “further optimised PBV products through its conversion business framework”, and will expand its PBV business through partnerships with global conversion companies.
It also says in the early stages of development it worked with Uber to ensure the PV5 was suitable for use by rideshare operators, and has pledged to continue to engage with drivers and fleet partners for feedback.
| Kia PV5 | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4695mm |
| Width | 1895mm |
| Height | 1899mm (without antenna) 1923mm (with antenna) |
| Wheelbase | 2995mm |
| Cargo space | 5.1m3 (cargo van, high roof) |
Inside the PV5, there’s a 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen and a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system running on the Android Automotive operating system.
The PV5 supports over-the-air updates, including for parts of the vehicle like its battery management system, while Kia says it has expanded its software ecosystem by opening data access.
Kia is collaborating with fleet management service providers to enhance the operating experience by providing “high-quality data”.
It also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing you to power external appliances from the van’s battery.
There’s a choice of Deep Navy, Dove Grey, Espresso Brown, Terracotta Brown and Iceberg Green interior colourways, with Kia noting these vibrant colours have been paired with “durable, easy-to-clean, sustainable materials”.
Thermoplastic olefin, for example, is used as an alternative flooring material to PVC, while the seats can be finished in Bio Polyurethane.
Kia AddGear allows customers to customise the interior with “modular accessories that resemble tailored furniture”, adding more storage options.
Kia hasn’t offered a van in Australia since the Pregio was axed in 2006. It will launch a new commercial vehicle here, the Tasman ute, mid-year.
