Kia unveils full details of the PV5, the first dedicated model in its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business strategy

Available in passenger and cargo configurations from launch

Pioneering mobility advancements through product, manufacturing, and software solutions

Modular design delivers unprecedented adaptability, with quick and seamless interchanging of body styles

Range of up to 400 km and 30-minute fast-charging capability ensure practical performance for business and leisure use

Kia PV5 to be available in Korean and European markets starting in the second half of 2025, followed by launches in other markets sequentially

Kia Corporation unveiled its new PV5 at the 2025 Kia EV Day, held in Tarragona, Spain. The PV5, a mid-sized Car Derived Van (CDV), is the first production model to debut under Kia’s dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) global business strategy. It redefines space and mobility with innovative modularization, offering unmatched flexibility.

The PV5 is offered in three body styles: Passenger, Cargo and Chassis Cab. Like all future Kia PBV models, the PV5 will leverage the brand’s world-leading EV technology to fulfil the diverse needs of a broad customer base by providing unprecedented flexibility and customization through innovative modularization.

All Kia PBV models, including the PV5, will be built on the brand’s leading-edge ‘E-GMP.S’ platform, a dedicated battery-electric skateboard architecture that allows for flexible combinations of various vehicle bodies.

What are the key differences between each version of the Kia PV5?

PV5 Passenger
The PV5 Passenger is equipped with the latest convenience features, allowing it to transition seamlessly between personal and business use.

These include passenger-level amenities, a spacious interior and cargo area, a lift-up tailgate, and fold-and-dive seating options. The vehicle’s open-source platform is designed to facilitate the installation and use of various accessories, significantly enhancing passenger convenience.

The PV5 Passenger’s interior is based on a three-row seat configuration which offers numerous usage possibilities. In its 2-3-0 layout, for example, the first and second rows are used for seating, and the third row is utilized as a spacious luggage area, complemented by a bottom luggage tray and side storage trays for optimal space utilization.

In this set-up, the second-row seats’ reclining and folding capabilities, paired with a flat board, create an ideal setup for a weekend camping trip. In the 1-2-3 seat layout, the space to the right of the driver can serve as a multi-storage and luggage area.

Throughout the development of its PBV business, Kia has collaborated with global partners to ensure the PV5 is as applicable to their use cases as possible. For example, collaboration with Uber from the early stages of PV5 development saw particular attention paid to the pain points of Uber users. As a result, the PV5 will be able to serve multiple use cases for riders and should be eligible for multiple Uber product categories. Additionally, Kia plans to engage in collaborative discussions to help drivers and fleet partners to learn more about the vehicles.

PV5 Cargo
The PV5 Cargo offers an extensive level of customer choice with three specifications: Standard, Long, and High-roof, with the High-roof also available in a Walk-Through version, making it the optimal choice for those in need of vehicles to enhance business efficiency. It offers a maximum cargo space of 5.1 m³, providing competitive cargo capacity compared with traditional CDVs (Car Derived Vans), and is capable of accommodating two Euro pallets. With a low cargo room step height of just 419mm, the PV5 Cargo additionally minimizes the burden of loading and unloading goods.

The Standard and Long specifications are designed with a typical two-seat passenger layout, with a three-seat layout optional. The High Roof specification includes an additional roof console as standard. In the two-seat layout, there is a unique Walk-Through specification offered as an option that features a sinking passenger seat and partition with a sliding door, providing easier access to the cargo area.

Kia’s designers have also taken a fresh, industry-transforming approach to the PV5 Cargo’s spacious load area. The optional L-track mounting system provides an unprecedented level of flexibility, like the versatile storage platform in the PV5 Passenger. This system can be installed throughout the cargo area, with two rows on each side of the cargo area, two rows along the headlining, and one row on the partition wall (available exclusively in the Walk-Through variant). The tracks accommodate sliding tie-down rings that can be positioned in various locations to secure cargo effectively.

The V2L functionality within the cargo area provides convenient power access, improving work efficiency, while Kia’s robust data collection and analysis capabilities comprehensively enhance the productivity of PV5 customers’ fleets.

This data-driven approach enables predictive maintenance, reduces accident rates and repair costs, and ensures quicker accident resolution and vehicle servicing, minimizing downtime. Kia collaborates with fleet management service providers to enhance the operating experience for PV5 customers by generating high-quality data, which is made available in API format for improved vehicle control and business outcomes.

PV5 Chassis Cab

The PV5 Chassis Cab has been developed to support a diverse range of conversion configurations. Designed to project a seamless, consistent visual flow along its length through details like a chamfered body, the Chassis Cab is supplied as an incomplete vehicle, with a shared cabin which utilizes the front section of the PV5 Cargo.

To the rear, a flat structure with side collision protection for the battery and additional mounting brackets for cargo body installations (deck, box, etc.) allows for maximum customization. Enhanced scalability for external devices is also provided.

Envisaged use cases for the PV5 Chassis Cab range from the Drop Side to Freezer Box models, with the vehicle’s 4,525mm length allowing room for a wide range of custom modifications.

What additional variants of the Kia PV5 are available?

Demonstrating the flexibility offered by the PV5 and Kia’s E-GMP.S platform, the vehicle can be further tailored for specific use cases.

The PV5 Crew is a flagship conversion model developed by Kia. It features various cargo securing options such as lashing points and L-tracks, offering conversion specifications previously available only through external modifications, now directly provided and guaranteed by Kia.

Additionally, the Drop Side, Box Van, and Freezer Box variants are set to launch, with plans to continuously expand the conversion lineup to include camping cars and premium options for private customers.

Kia has also developed the PV5 WAV to address the pain points of individuals who use wheelchairs, their families, and caregivers, as well as drivers.

To improve accessibility, a ‘side entry’ feature has been created with universal design principles in mind, allowing both general passengers and wheelchair users to board the vehicle through the same side entry point. This ensures equitable access for all individuals, enhancing inclusivity and convenience. This approach not only facilitates easy access from the curb but also improves safety and high durability, with a quick-use ramp that supports a load of up to 300 kg. The PV5 WAV also incorporates a user-friendly, universal wheelchair belt fastening system and allows for forward visibility through second-row seating access. Convenience is enhanced for accompanying passengers with a third-row tip-up seat design that facilitates easy boarding for both the wheelchair user and their companion.

The PV5 WAV model is designed to provide not just a vehicle for business purposes but also to offer enhanced mobility freedom for individuals with physical disabilities.

Kia aims to provide further optimized PBV products through its conversion business framework, tailored to meet diverse customer needs. Additionally, the company plans to expand its PBV business through partnerships with global conversion companies, developing a range of conversion models based on collaboration and certification systems.

What are the battery and powertrain options for the Kia PV5?
A choice of 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh battery for all versions, with an additional 43.3 kWh option for the PV5 Cargo

120 kW front motor producing 250 Nm of torque

Specification-dependent range of up to 400km, with a fast-charging time of 30 minutes

All versions of the Kia PV5 are powered by a choice of 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh NCM battery, with an additional 43.3 kWh LFP battery option for the PV5 Cargo. This drives a 120 kW front motor producing 250 Nm of torque.

The PV5 incorporates a ‘cell-to-pack’ battery system, which eliminates the need for modules by directly integrating the cells into the battery pack, resulting in improved energy efficiency.

When equipped with the 71.2 kWh battery, the PV5 Passenger achieves a range of up to 400 km[1]. The Kia PV5 offers a fast-charging time from 10% to 80% of 30 minutes[2].

When and where will the Kia PV5 go on sale?

Sales of the PV5 models will begin in Korea and Europe in the second half of this year, followed by launches in other markets in 2026. Conversion models are set to start production sequentially between 2025 and 2026. Pre-orders are expected to commence in the first half of this year for Korean and European markets.