Kia's Realized Electric Vans Featuring Interchangeable Bodies
The much-anticipated PV5, Kia's first foray into the Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) market, has officially commenced production. Starting in August 2025, the Passenger and Cargo Long models will be available in South Korea, with deliveries set to begin in Q4 of the same year in Europe and other global markets [1][2].
Kia's PV5 boasts a flexible design, thanks to its Flexible Body System. This innovative feature modularises components like the body, doors, tailgate, and roof, enabling up to 16 different variants from seven basic body types. These include passenger, cargo compact, cargo long, and cargo high-roof versions [2][3].
Built on Hyundai Motor Group’s E-GMP.S platform, the PV5 offers multiple battery options: a 43.3 kWh LFP pack, and 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh NCM packs, all paired with a 120 kW motor. The WLTP driving range varies by model and battery size, with the Passenger variant achieving 179 to 249 miles and the Cargo variant 181 to 247 miles [1][2].
Customer-driven innovation is at the heart of the PV5's design, with Kia incorporating feedback from over 120 global partners across sectors like logistics and utilities. Practical features include removable front passenger seats for more cargo space, stain-resistant materials, walk-through cabin-cargo access in high-roof models, and a dedicated wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) variant with a gentle sloped side-entry ramp and universal securing systems [2].
Beyond the Passenger and Cargo versions, Kia is expanding the PV5 lineup with unique variants such as a “Light Camper” and a pickup truck, targeting leisure and utility sectors. The Light Camper model is confirmed for production, enhancing the PV5’s appeal to van-lifers and outdoor enthusiasts [1][4].
Manufacturing is centred at Kia’s Hwaseong EVO plant in South Korea, capable of producing up to 150,000 PBVs annually. Kia projects sales of 3,000 to 4,000 PV5 units in the first full year, aiming to increase total PBV sales to around 17,000 units annually by the end of the decade [1].
The PV5's body styles can change everything behind the first row, making it a versatile vehicle suitable for a wide range of uses. While the most obvious application is cargo and fleet operations, the PV5's modular design and practical features make it a contender in various markets.
Unfortunately, the PV5 is not planned to be brought to the United States. However, for those in the U.K., the starting price for the passenger version is the equivalent of £35,000 [5].
In the future, the PV5 will be followed by larger PBV models: the PV7 expected in 2027 and the PV9 in 2029 [1][2]. With its modular design, customer-focused features, and commitment to innovation, Kia is making a significant stride into the rapidly growing PBV market.
Summary Table:
| Aspect | Details | |---------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Production Start | August 2025 (Passenger & Cargo Long), South Korea; Q4 2025 in Europe and other markets | | Modular Variants | Up to 16 variations, based on 7 basic body types (passenger, cargo compact/long/high-roof) | | Platform | Hyundai Motor Group E-GMP.S | | Battery Options | 43.3 kWh LFP, 51.5 kWh NCM, 71.2 kWh NCM | | Motor Power | 120 kW | | Driving Range (WLTP) | Passenger: 179–249 miles; Cargo: 181–247 miles | | Special Features | Flexible Body System, customer-driven design, removable seats, walk-through cabin, WAV option | | New Variants Confirmed | Light Camper, Pickup truck | | Manufacturing Location | Hwaseong EVO plant, South Korea (capacity 150,000 units/year) | | Sales Forecast | 3,000–4,000 PV5 units first year; 17,000 PBVs annually by decade end | | Future Model Releases | PV7 in 2027, PV9 in 2029 |
[1] Kia Press Release, [Link to Press Release] [2] Electrek, [Link to Electrek Article] [3] Autocar, [Link to Autocar Article] [4] Green Car Reports, [Link to Green Car Reports Article] [5] Car and Driver, [Link to Car and Driver Article]
- The automotive industry is set to witness a fresh addition as Kia begins production of their concept car, the PV5, a foray into the Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) market in August 2025.
- Powered by Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP.S platform, the PV5 offers a variety of battery options, appealing to a diverse range of financial preferences within the sector of transportation.
- With a flexible design due to its Flexible Body System, the PV5 caters to multiple lifestyles, offering up to 16 different variants from seven basic body types, including electric-vehicle models for cargo and passenger transport.
- Beyond just cars, the PV5 also embraces car-maintenance considerations, boasting practical features such as removable seats for more cargo space, walk-through cabin-cargo access, and a dedicated wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) variant.
- In the coming years, the PV5 will be followed by larger PBV models, such as the PV7 and PV9, signaling Kia's commitment to the growing PBV market and a technological leap in the transportation industry.
