All Electric Commercial Van
Are vans cool again? Some say they are, especially when they come with an electric twist. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is a sensation, generating smiles wherever it goes while producing zero emissions. And now, Kia is launching a new van, called the PV5, which can be configured for cargo as well as for passengers. Very different from the nostalgic Volkswagen, the PV5 is aggressively modern and high-tech. We think it’s about to take the commercial vehicle world by storm.
The mid-sized PV5 is what Kia calls a “car derived van,” meaning that it’s not built using traditional body-on-frame construction, which is heavy and inefficient. Instead, it uses the latest engineering and manufacturing techniques to be both strong and efficient and its flexible platform offers unmatched flexibility for a number of commercial uses. Housing the batteries and motors in an electric “skateboard” lets the PV5 take numerous forms.
Kia PV5 Body Styles
Initially, the PV5 will be offered in three body styles – passenger van, cargo van, and chassis cab – although more are sure to follow. The passenger version is similar to the ID. Buzz in offering a three-row seating configuration; the seats can be moved around to provide a huge amount of configuration flexibility. Targeted specifically at ride-share and ride-hailing drivers, the PV5 passenger van has huge space for cargo, and is designed to be as efficient as possible.
The PV5 cargo takes the commercial panel van into the electric era. Offered in standard and high-roof versions, and with standard and long wheelbases, the PV5 cargo offers massive space, impressive flexibility, and low running costs. Its sophisticated electrical architecture, with vehicle-to-load capability, makes it an excellent work truck as well, able to power tools and other equipment directly from the vehicle’s battery.
Finally, there’s the PV5 chassis cab, which is actually delivered “unfinished.” It has a front cabin which is the same as the front section of the PV5 cargo, while the rear is set up to support a range of different uses, from drop-side boxes to freezers. The flat chassis of the PV5 makes it uniquely easy to adapt the chassis cab for many different commercial applications. Future applications will include a wheelchair-accessible cabin, box van, crew van, and even a light camper.
Cutting-Edge Tech in a Commercial Van
Unlike most commercial vehicles, the Kia PV5 models carry the latest technology to help maximize productivity and efficiency for business users. Its cutting-edge electric platform is built on the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), which makes it easy to add a wide range of services and customized apps for business users. One notable collaboration that Kia has already launched is with Samsung, which integrates the PV5 into the broader “internet of things,” bridging the gap between business systems and the vehicles they use. The operating system also provides predictive maintenance services based on vehicle use data, to reduce downtime and operating expense.
All versions of the Kia PV5 are powered by a choice of 51.5-kWh or 71.2-kWh batteries, with a short-range 43.3-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery option for the PV5 Cargo. All PV5 models have a front-mounted electric motor that produces 163 hp. Range is a reasonable 250 estimated miles, and Kia promises a fast-charging time of 30 minutes from 10 to 80 percent.
Kia PV5 Design
For a practical, boxy vehicle, the PV5 looks remarkably sleek, with a robust and technical-looking lower section and high-mounted LED lights. And unlike most commercial vehicles, it’s available in a variety of vibrant colors to help make business users stand out. Easy-to-clean, sustainable materials upgrade the vehicle’s functionality and recyclability as well.
Inside, the PV5 has a far nicer interior than most commercial vehicles, and even offers a choice of deep navy, dove grey, espresso brown, terracotta, or even iceberg green recycled interior finishes. Eco-friendly materials include thermoplastic olefin (TPO) flooring that is an easy-to-clean alternative to PVC. The driver’s zone has an ultra-low beltline for great visibility, tons of storage, and all kinds of useful storage spaces. A 7-inch instrument cluster and 12.9-inch touchscreen add a high-tech edge.
When Can I Buy a Kia PV5?
Sales of the PV5 will begin in Kia’s home market of Korea as well as Europe in the second half of 2025, followed by other markets in 2026. The PV5 will be built in a dedicated factory called the “EVO Plant” which uses a flexible and efficient production process.
Curious to see what else Kia has in store for the future of electric commercial vans? Check it out here
