PV5, Kia's grand entrance into the commercial and transportation segment

Kia is entering the commercial vehicle segment with a bang. Under Kia's global Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business strategy, it will soon launch a mid-size passenger commercial vehicle in three body styles: Passenger, Cargo, and Chassis Cab. Like all future Kia PBVs, the PV5 will leverage Kia's world-leading electric vehicle technology to meet the diverse needs of a broad customer base. To do so, it will offer unprecedented flexibility and customization through innovative modular capability.

Specifically, the E-GMP.S platform uses a "skateboard"-style concept that allows for the integration of various body designs on top of a flat base. This versatility allows Kia to develop a wide range of GVs that span various segments, from small to large models.

In the case of the passenger model, its design is highlighted by a large glass surface generated by a low beltline, framed by striking black glass edges that contrast with the body color. The striking light signature and elegant black accents of the main light clusters enhance the PV5's modern appeal. The rear of the PV5 Passenger emphasizes the PBV's assertive, modern presence while projecting a functional and logical nature. The elegant chamfered line of the D-pillar extends to the rear, enhancing the vehicle's sense of volume. It also features a single-leaf tailgate, set on a sturdy bumper that replicates the front corner guards.

Inside, it's equipped with the latest comfort features, allowing for a seamless transition between personal and professional use. These include passenger amenities, a spacious interior and cargo area, a liftgate, and foldable seats. The vehicle's open-source platform is designed to facilitate the installation and use of various accessories, significantly improving passenger comfort. It's also based on a three-row seating configuration that offers numerous usage possibilities. In its 2-3-0 layout, for example, the first and second rows are for occupants, and the third row is a spacious luggage area. This is complemented by lower compartments and side shelves for optimal space utilization.

In this configuration, the ability to recline or fold the second-row seats, along with a flat surface, create an ideal setup for weekend camping.

In the case of the PV5 Cargo, which shares the same geometry as the PV5 Passenger, it features a more square profile that reflects its greater spatial efficiency. The clean, modern aesthetic, with a clear sense of order in each element, elevates the PV5 Cargo's design above traditional light commercial vehicles.

A key difference lies in the Cargo's twin side-opening rear doors, which provide optimal functionality as well as easy access for loading and unloading. This allows users to customize their experience to suit their specific needs. The rear design complements the sleek side lines, providing a solid, modern look. This approach increases cargo capacity and creates a sense of greater space.

The PV5 Cargo offers customers a wide range of options with three variants: Standard, Long, and High-roof. For the latter, a Walk-Through version will also be available, the optimal choice for those needing vehicles that improve business efficiency. The Cargo version provides a maximum load volume of 5.2 cubic meters, very competitive compared to traditional light commercial vehicles (LCVs), and is capable of accommodating Euro pallets. With a leading edge height of just 419 mm, the PV5 Cargo makes loading and unloading goods even easier.

The Standard and Long variants feature a typical two-seat layout, with a three-seat option coming soon. The High Roof will offer an additional overhead console as standard. In the two-seat layout, a Walk-Through configuration is available as an option, with a lowering passenger seat and a bulkhead with a sliding door, facilitating access to the cargo area.

Kia designers have also taken a fresh, industry-changing approach to the PV5 Cargo's spacious bed. The optional L-rail mounting system provides an unprecedented level of flexibility, like the versatile storage platform found in the PV5 Passenger. It can be installed across the entire load area, with two lines on each side, two along the headliner, and one on the partition wall (available exclusively on the Walk-Through variant). These rails accommodate sliding tie-down rings that can be positioned in various locations to effectively secure cargo.

V2L functionality within the cargo area provides a convenient electrical connection, improving work efficiency. Kia's extensive data collection and analysis capabilities also comprehensively improve the productivity of PV5 customers' fleets.

All versions of the Kia PV5 are equipped with a 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh NCM (nickel-cobalt-manganese) battery, with an additional 43.3 kWh LFP (lithium iron phosphate) battery option for the PV5 Cargo, which will be launched later. They power a 120 kW front motor producing 250 Nm of torque.

The PV5 features a cell-to-pack battery system, which eliminates the need for modules by directly integrating the cells into the assembly, improving energy efficiency.

With its 71.2 kWh battery, the PV5 Passenger achieves a range of up to 416 km. Fast charging allows the Kia PV5 to go from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes.