Kia's Electric Van PV5 Spotted Testing in U.S. Ahead of 2025 Launch
Kia's electric van, the PV5, has been spotted testing in California and Arizona, hinting at an upcoming U.S. launch. However, several hurdles, including tariffs and regulatory requirements, may impact its pricing and availability.
Currently, the PV5 is produced in South Korea. To price competitively in the U.S., Kia must address high tariffs on imported light trucks and commercial vans. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) also presents challenges, requiring domestic sourcing and specific battery component rules for incentives.
The PV5 must meet federal safety and emissions/energy efficiency regulations, which may necessitate redesigns or modifications, adding cost and delay. Testing in California suggests Kia is validating the vehicle under stringent environmental conditions and ensuring compatibility with U.S. EV charging norms.
Battery options for the PV5 include a 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh pack in many models, with a smaller 43.3 kWh option available for the cargo variant. U.S. EPA ratings, however, tend to be more conservative than European WLTP numbers, potentially affecting the claimed range.
The Kia PV5, a Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) on the E-GMP.S platform, is expected to launch in the U.S. in the second half of 2025, with passenger and cargo versions available for order immediately and deliveries beginning in November 2025. Despite potential challenges, all signs point to 2026 as a likely window for commercial applications.
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