Europe registered more than one and a half million LCVs (light commercial vehicles) last year. And Kia intends to make a place for itself in this market, which is often more profitable than private cars. On the occasion of its EV Day, the Korean brand presented the final version of its first 100% electric professional vehicle. Name chosen for its mid-size model: Kia PV5.
The commercial vehicle is based on the E-GMP.S "skateboard" platform, allowing several types of vehicles in the years to come. In terms of looks, we notice the vertical light signature at the front, inspired by the recent EV3 SUV. The same goes for the angular wheel arches. The beltline is lowered to offer maximum visibility.
Launched in the second half of 2025 in France, the PV5 will be offered with three body types.
The Kia PV5 also has a target called Uber
The "Passenger" version of the Kia PV5 will be a van designed with a three-row interior architecture, offering up to eight seats. Here, the tailgate opens upwards. The second-row seats fold and tilt to free up more space as needed. In the back, the seats can also be removed to offer a maxi-trunk (2-3-0). The carrying capacities depending on the configurations have not (yet) been detailed.
The brand is targeting vehicles with drivers in particular: "a collaboration with Uber in the early stages of development made it possible to identify the problems encountered by users," assures the brand. Passengers in the second row benefit from footrests, but also from USB ports located on the side of the driver's seat. Nets or cup holders enhance the journey.
Cabin/hold access
The van version catalog, called "Cargo", will have three body types: standard, long and high roof. In the latter case, the PV5 can carry up to 5.1 cubic meters. It can be equipped, as an option, with a movable partition. It allows direct access to the hold from the cabin. The vehicle is also equipped with V2L, allowing, for example, tools to be connected to the vehicle's traction battery.
The Kia PV5 will also be available in a Chassis Cab version to carry different types of boxes or skips (refrigerated, lifting, etc.). Kia also promises the arrival in the longer term of variants, intended, for example, for the transport of people with reduced mobility - with a ramp lifting up to 300 kg - for campers or luxury transport.
"Techno" driving position
The angular dashboard offers large storage spaces. The instrumentation is based on a 7-inch screen, supplemented by a 12.9-inch infotainment system.
The operating software will be provided by Android Automotive. The digital key is also part of the technological equipment, facilitating the sharing of the vehicle between several employees.
No 800 volts for the Kia PV5
Unlike one of its main rivals, the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, the Kia PV5 relies on a machine placed on the front axle. It develops 163 hp and 250 Nm of torque.
Three battery capacities are planned. 43.3 kWh (Cargo), 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh (net values). The smallest is LFP chemistry to reduce costs. The other two formats are based on NMC technology. Kia does not give precise details on the autonomy, simply announcing "up to 400 km". All versions should be sufficient for typical last-mile logistics use. But craftsmen in rural areas could feel cramped with this range...
The Kia PV5's technical sheet contains a sorrow. The "800 volts" voltage is not offered, while it was one of the most salient arguments of the E-GMP family on the car side (Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5...).
Above all, competitors will quickly offer vans and vans operating with a higher voltage, allowing ultra-fast recharges. The Renault/Flexis platform makes this an argument for the Estafette – Goélette – Trafic trio. At the same time, Mercedes is finalizing its VAN.EA “800 volts” platform with a view to 2026.
Kia nevertheless indicates direct current recharge times of around 30 minutes for 10 to 80%. Values to be verified – obviously – in use. The PV5 will be manufactured in South Korea. The Gwangmyeong site already assembles the EV3 and soon the EV4 “sedan” for the Asian market. The utility and the van will make their public debut in France at the Solutrans trade show. It will be held in Lyon next November.
Kia PV5 2025 technical specifications
Passenger version:
- Length: 4.69 m
- Width: 1.89 m
- Height: 1.90 m
- Wheelbase: 2.99 m
- Battery: 51.2 or 71.2 kWh (net)
- Power: 163 hp
- DC 10-80% charging: 30 minutes
- Range: max. 400 km
Cargo version (long):
- Length: 4.69 m
- Width: 1.89 m
- Height: 1.90 m
- Wheelbase: 2.99 m
- Battery: 43.3 / 51.2 / 71.2 kWh (net)
- Power: 163 hp
- DC 10-80% charging: 30 minutes
- Range: max. 400 km
No comments