Kia's PV5: The Futuristic, Modular Electric Van for Tomorrow

Kia mentions that box trucks, refrigerated models, wheelchair-accessible variants, and even camper editions of the van are forthcoming.

The Kia PV5 is a fully electric, adaptable electric van available in various configurations including crew vans, cargo vans, refrigerated trucks, and campers which are set to be released soon.
It features a 161-horsepower engine and can travel up to 248 miles on a full charge.
Kia has not dismissed the possibility of a U.S.-market version, but the tariffs imposed in the United States make it costly to import commercial vehicles manufactured outside of North America.

Kia's 2025 EV Day didn't just focus on passenger cars; it also highlighted small commercial vehicles. The event unveiled the production model of the PV5, which marks the beginning of an extensive range of PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) trucks and vans.

At launch, the PV5 will feature three primary body types: Passenger, Cargo, and Chassis Cab. These options allow various customers to customize their vehicles according to specific requirements due to the PBV’s flexible design. Every PBV will utilize the E-GMP.S platform, which is an adapted version of the architecture found in Kia's EV6 , EV9 , et al. In this version, it’s a skateboarding device powered by a battery, designed with space atop to accommodate various body designs.

The construction of the PV5 and its future variants will take place in a specialized facility, and the manufacturing process is quite intriguing. Kia has implemented what they call the Flexible Body System, allowing customers to customize precisely how their PV5s are assembled. According to the company, this system resembles putting together a jigsaw puzzle, potentially resulting in highly personalized vehicles. Additionally, Kia collaborated with experts from the commercial vehicle sector to offer various configurations for the PV5, including crew cabs, drop-side beds, large cargo compartments, refrigerated units, and others. They also suggest that one might utilize a PV5 as a 'compact campervan.' As it was showcased at SEMA .

How do the various PV5 models differ visually? The passenger variant features a three-row seat setup along with a lift-up rear gate. This allows for accommodating up to eight individuals arranged in a 2-3-3 configuration. However, you also have the option to fold down the seats to provide extra room for both yourself and your guests.

The PV5 Cargo models are designed to serve as the backbone of the lineup. They offer three variants: Standard, Long, and High-Roof. Among these, the High-Roof variant can also feature a Walk-Through option and includes a roof console as standard equipment. Boasting a maximum cargo capacity of 180 cubic feet and a rear sill height of 16.5 inches (419 mm), this model allows for an impressive amount of storage space at your disposal.

Photo by: Kia

The optional L-track mounting system ensures that loading items securely becomes straightforward, while having a vehicle-to-load (V2L) electrical outlet in the cargo space aids in providing power during transit. Additionally, Kia has integrated various data tracking features allowing fleet operators to perform predictive maintenance checks and monitor service intervals effortlessly among other things. This feature also supports remote updates via wireless technology, eliminating the necessity for halting operations just to update the software manually using a USB drive.

For those seeking a versatile PV5 that allows for expansion, the Chassis Cab is the ideal choice. This model features the same cab as the Cargo version, minus anything at the rear. The open-ended design lets you customize the back portion according to your specific business needs.

Photo by: Kia

The Crew Van version.

Additional variations are on their way. The Crew represents Kia’s exclusive internal customization model, offering performance capabilities that were once attainable solely through outside tuners. Models such as the Drop Side, Box Van, and Freezer Box are also heading our way. According to Kia, even more choices will follow suit; thus, an electric #Vanlyfe setup might just be around the corner within the next few years.

However, there is already another specialized vehicle available on the platform. The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), known as the PV5, has a particular focus: ensuring easy access for wheelchairs. Unlike typical cumbersome modifications found elsewhere, this model was conceived specifically with wheelchair users in mind right from the start. This WAV features a ramp capable of supporting up to 661 lbs, which extends smoothly onto the sidewalk—a feature seldom seen among rival models. Within the cabin, an adaptable wheelchair restraint system ensures passengers remain safely secured in the rear seating area near the front. Meanwhile, friends and family members have space to sit comfortably in the third-row seats.

Photo by: Kia

The WAV

If you've driven a Kia passenger car before, you'll notice many similarities inside the PV5 series. The interior features physical buttons, touchscreens, and conventional controls. As this is a versatile vehicle, users will find it easier to customize their space compared to traditional road cars. This offers ample opportunities for upfitters to get creative.

When it comes to customizing the PV5 for commercial purposes, there are additional features designed specifically for fleet operators. These include a 7-inch instrument panel and a 12.9-inch navigation screen equipped with Android Automotive, which enables businesses to integrate essential applications to track truck activities closely. Kia has collaborated with Samsung through its IoT platform called SmartThings Pro to offer PVB customers a highly interconnected driving experience with their PV5 vehicles. This collaboration aims to enable seamless management and monitoring of various smart technologies such as HVAC systems, digital signs, household appliances, among others, both within the vehicle and at remote locations like offices or homes. To improve overall usability, Kia also presents AddGear—a customizable line of accessories aimed at enhancing personal comfort inside the cabin. Available in several attractive color options and crafted from sustainable materials, these additions can help tailor each PV5 according to individual preferences.

Photo by: Kia

The mounting rails are designed to hold accessories.

The PV5 will be equipped with a 161-horsepower engine delivering 184 lb-ft of torque, receiving power via one of three available batteries. For cargo versions of the PV5, customers have the option of a 43.3-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, or they can opt for either a 51.5 or 71.2-kWh lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery. Other models in the lineup are limited to choosing among the larger-capacity NMC packs. Under ideal conditions, this vehicle achieves an utmost driving range of 248 miles based on WLTP standards, and using an appropriate fast-charging station, it can reach between 10% and 80% state-of-charge within half an hour.

The sale of PV5 models will commence in South Korea and Europe during late 2025, with additional markets being added in 2026. However, it’s improbable that the United States will be among these markets due to the Chicken Tax, which enforces a 25% tariff on commercial vehicles manufactured outside of North America. This tax makes imported commercial trucks such as the Korean-produced PV5 economically unviable for the American market.

At EV Day, Kia’s President and CEO Ho Sung Song addressed the possibility of introducing a version of the PV5 into the market eventually, stating that they would explore various options as they arise. It’s clear that Kia’s electric vehicle strategy will continue to expand beyond this point. Upcoming releases include the PV7 and PV9. Additionally, the fact that Kia began their lineup with model "5" suggests potential for future introduction of more compact variants.