Kia PV5 EV spy photos exposed, passenger and cargo van with novel design

Thanks to Kia’s swappable upper body modules, the electric mid-size van can be modified to suit the owner’s needs.

(Updated September 25: This story has been updated with new spy photos and information)

Earlier this year, Kia showed off concepts for its upcoming purpose-built vehicles, including the PV5, which is set to debut in the first quarter of 2025. Development of the mid-size van continues, with our spy photographers spotting camouflaged prototypes in both commercial and passenger van guises.

The Kia PV5 has a boxy exterior with familiar proportions – typical of light commercial vehicles – but a closer look reveals some unique styling features. These include a large greenhouse, gloss black panels, thick plastic cladding, slim LED headlights and four-spoke wheels. The passenger version has normal windows on the sides, differentiating it from a van.

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Differences compared to the concept include conventional wing mirrors, thicker pillars and smaller wheels. We can also see a section of unpainted plastic cladding around the wheel arches, without the fancy texture of the concept.

The light commercial vehicle prototype was spotted in Germany and is based on the similarly sized Volkswagen ID.Buzz and the slightly larger Hyundai Staria. For comparison, the VW electric car is 4,712 mm (185.5 in) long, while the combustion-engine-powered Hyundai is 5,255 mm (206.9 in) long.

Kia PV5 Van

Kia PV5 light commercial vehicle

SH Proshots

We already know that the Kia PV5 will be available in base, van, high roof and chassis cab body styles, thanks to interchangeable upper body modules that will be shipped as standardized kits. The modules will be connected via mechanical couplings and electromagnetic fixing points, allowing owners to customize the PV5 to their needs. The model is also expected to offer a variety of seating arrangements in two- and three-row configurations.

All Kia dedicated models will use the e-CCPM (Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module) architecture. The company has not yet released details about the battery pack and electric motor specifications.

MORE: Kia teams up with Uber to develop custom ride-hailing service

We look forward to seeing more prototypes as the Kia PV5’s debut draws closer. Last month, Kia showed off the production version of the van at the IAA traffic show in Hanover, hinting that it will be unveiled before its market launch in early 2025.

Later, the small PV1 and large PV7 will join the lineup, expanding Kia’s dedicated vehicle lineup. All models will be produced at a new plant in South Korea with an annual production capacity of 150,000 units. The automaker has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Uber for the development and deployment of PBVs in the ride-hailing business.

Kia PV5 concept car