Kia has unveiled the PV5, a fully electric, highly adaptable light commercial vehicle built from the ground up to meet diverse business and passenger needs, signalling a strategic shift towards sustainable mobility solutions with innovative modular design and smart connectivity.

Kia has really taken a big leap forward in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment with its latest launch—the Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), known as the Kia PV5. It’s a vehicle that’s been developed completely from scratch, with a lot of input from businesses and commercial users, I might add. The PV5 sets a new standard in terms of modularity, connectivity, and versatility—quite specifically designed to meet the varied needs of both commercial and passenger markets. This purpose-built electric model marks an important shift in Kia’s overall strategy, moving beyond just making passenger cars, aiming instead to position itself as a comprehensive provider of sustainable mobility solutions for fleets, companies, and end consumers alike.

The PV5 is built on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP.S platform—the Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service. Think of it like a skateboard-style electric chassis that supports a super flexible body structure, enabling a modular “building block” setup. This means the PV5 can be configured into all sorts of vehicle types—Cargo, Passenger, Chassis Cab, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles (WAVs), Light Campers, and Crew Vans. Basically, it’s highly adaptable to different operational requirements that various industries might have. Unlike many electric vans that are just reengineered versions of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms, this one’s been developed from the ground up to be capable of handling both short urban deliveries and longer regional routes with, well, pretty much equal efficiency.

Power comes from a front-mounted electric motor capable of delivering up to 120kW and 250Nm of torque, driving the front wheels. Customers can choose between two battery options—inclusive of 51.5kWh or 71.2kWh, which allow for a maximum all-electric range (AER) of up to 258 miles. That’s quite a solid figure, considering many users will find it practical across various commercial applications. The charging setup is designed with business needs in mind, offering DC fast-charging of up to 150kW, so you can get from 10 to 80% in roughly half an hour. There’s also an upcoming 22kW AC charging option. The charging port is placed at the front, which makes things easier by not blocking cargo access or causing inconvenience.

When it comes to handling and ride comfort, Kia didn’t cut corners. The chassis has been carefully tuned to provide a stable and smooth ride, which is pretty crucial for heavy-duty work. Its wide stance, low battery placement, and a reinforced dual-annular exoskeleton ensure confident handling, solid braking, and resilience—even in challenging conditions like crosswinds at highway speeds. On top of that, safety features are comprehensive, including things like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Smart Cruise Control, and Lane Following Assist—helping drivers and fleets reduce accidents and drive more efficiently.

Kia’s emphasis on inclusivity is obvious with the WAV version, which features a gentle slope side-entry ramp, a spacious low-floor interior, and secure universal mounting points. This setup makes it easier for people with mobility needs to get in comfortably, and for caregivers to assist. Aligning with demographic trends—like aging populations—the vehicle supports wider passenger comfort and accessibility, which is definitely a growing market.

A key part of the PV5’s appeal lies in its smart connectivity features. The vehicle connects directly with Kia’s PLEOS Fleet management system, providing real-time info on battery levels, tyre pressure, predictive maintenance alerts, and driver habits. This system is really helpful for fleet managers, reducing downtime and helping to keep vehicles running smoothly, all while integrating with existing enterprise IT. Inside, the PV5 sports an Android Automotive OS-based infotainment system with a large 12.9-inch widescreen display capable of multitasking, voice control with AI, and an app marketplace—so operators can tailor the system to their specific industry needs or plug in third-party apps.

Durability and repairability also played a big role in the PV5’s design. Its modular approach to body parts means repairs can be quicker and cheaper—replacing only what's needed without extensive downtime. Kia backs the PV5 with a solid warranty package: seven years or 100,000 miles for overall coverage, and eight years or the same mileage dedicated to the battery and motor. That aligns well with standards across the UK and Europe.

This customer-focused, flexible design approach isn’t just limited to one model. Kia is already mass-producing the long-wheelbase Passenger and Cargo versions at its Hwaseong EVO Plant in Korea. There are plans to introduce more variants in sequence—larger models like the PV7 set for 2027, and the PV9 in 2029. The goal? To hit a target of selling about 250,000 PBVs worldwide by 2030. These vehicles aren’t just standalone—there’s a scalable, software-driven mobility ecosystem at work, combining modular design, electrification, and smart connectivity.

In addition, Kia’s expanding its conversion capabilities with the PBV Conversion Center, which offers factory-backed, certified modifications—ready to adapt PV5 platforms for niche or sector-specific needs through a dedicated Conversion Portal system. This setup enables global partners to modify vehicles efficiently, all while maintaining safety standards and homologation requirements.

Looking further ahead, Kia’s even developing a robotaxi version of the PV5—called the PV5-R—expected to arrive around 2028, emphasizing its commitment to versatile, forward-thinking transportation solutions. This modular, adaptable approach to electric vehicles not only puts Kia at the front of the transformation in light commercial transport but also seriously addresses the evolving demands of modern businesses, fleet operators, and consumers alike.

Source: Noah Wire Services