Seoul is seeking a share of the commercial vehicle market by developing trucks and vans in a modular approach
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- The PV5’s design blends futuristic looks with practical functionality for enhanced usability.
- The mid-size van will compete against the likes of the Transit and ID.Buzz in a crowded market.
- Kia’s lineup will eventually expand to include the smaller PV1 and larger PV7 electric vans.
Kia, best known for its intriguing range of electric vehicles and SUVs, is preparing to broaden its horizons in the passenger car and light commercial van segments with a purpose-built model it calls a Platform Beyond Vehicle, or PBV. It’s a major step for the brand towards a versatile and electrified future.
At the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show, Kia previewed its electric van strategy with three concepts: the PV1, PV5, and PV7. First off the assembly line is the mid-size PV5, which will go into production in South Korea in 2025. It will be followed by the smaller PV1, designed for narrow city streets, and the larger PV7, aimed at heavier commercial applications. All three models will share a unified design language.
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The Seoul-based automaker plans to launch 14 electric vehicles by 2027, preparing to offer everything from delivery vans to shuttles and even self-driving taxis. For this reveal, we digitally decoded the appearance of the midsize PV5, so read on as we explore all that is known.
Futuristic design
As we’ve seen from development prototypes in Europe, the production-ready PV5 will retain much of the design language of the concept car that Kia unveiled at this year’s CES event. At first glance, it’s a sea of geometric shapes, hard creases, and flat surfaces. Key highlights include daytime running lights cascading to the two-tone front end, with the main lighting unit located below the rectangular front grille graphic.
The angular fenders and oddly tall glass house add a hint of futurism, but the overall simplicity ensures a uniform configuration across the different body styles. From the rear, it has a traditional van aesthetic, with horizontally slim LED taillights and barn-style doors with an offset-mounted license plate.
Practicality bonus
Kia previewed its electric van range with the PV1, PV5 and PV7 concepts.
Each version of the PV5 emphasizes versatility and user-centric design, with base (passenger) and van (delivery) versions standing at 74.8 inches (1,900 mm). In contrast, the high-roof version extends to 86.61 inches (2,200 mm) for additional cargo space. Its flexible “e-CCPM” (electric complete chassis platform module) architecture also provides interchangeable camper, cab and cab chassis configurations after the cabin is fixed.
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The passenger version offers removable seats, advanced connectivity features and AI infotainment, while the delivery van maximizes cargo space with low, easy entry and loading capabilities. It will also feature “drive-by-wire” steering and braking technology to facilitate advanced driver assistance technologies, especially in robotaxi models equipped with autonomous driving functions.
Electric sports
While specific powertrain details have yet to be announced, the PV5’s all-electric setup will utilize the latest battery technology to ensure competitive range and efficient performance. The car will likely share components with other electrified models in the Kia range, including dual-motor versions, to provide a blend of power, efficiency and fast DC charging capabilities.
As it is targeted at commercial applications, it is expected to offer both vehicle-to-load (V2L) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) compatibility. The chassis cab version will also appeal to businesses seeking a reliable, customizable electric platform that can be used for special purposes such as mobile workshops or custom cargo solutions.
Competitors and revelations
The PV5 will face stiff competition from a growing number of rivals, including but not limited to Ford’s E-Transit, Mercedes-Benz eVito and the upcoming Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo, all of which are equipped with electric powertrains tailored for commercial and passenger use.
The midsize van is scheduled to go on sale next year and will be built at Kia’s new Hwaseong plant southwest of Seoul. However, PV5 models destined for the U.S. and Canada are still likely to be assembled at Kia’s plant in Mexico to avoid the chicken tax, which imposes high tariffs on imported commercial vehicles.
Following the PV5, the smaller PV1 and larger PV7 will expand the lineup as part of Kia’s ambitious 150,000-unit production plan. Pricing details have yet to be announced, but it’s unlikely to be cheap.
What do you think of the PV5’s futuristic design? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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