From Campers to Pickup Trucks
Kia has recently introduced seven new body types for its PV5 van. From a luxury van RV to a pickup truck, they range from practical to extravagant.
Kia gave the world a look at what it calls one of the most useful electric mobility vehicles during its PV5 Tech Day event. The Kia PV5 is the first EV van built according to Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business model. The automaker has also introduced plans for seven new body types.
What Is the PV5 EV Van?
According to Kia, the PV5 is more than just an EV van. It’s a “total mobility solution” that combines advanced software with a fit-for-purpose EV. Joo Su-ha, the managing director of Kia’s research and development headquarters, went so far as to say that it “marked the beginning of future mobility.”
If you’re wondering what that means, it all comes back to Kia’s claims to be the first company to utilize a new development process that will enable a range of applications. Kia’s research and development team found over 1,000 scenarios using an advanced 3D verification process.
To unlock the full potential of the development process, Kia will introduce seven new body types for the PV5 EV van. In addition to Passenger and Cargo models, new variations will include a built-in truck, a refrigerated truck, a van with an open bed, a light camper, and a luxury van RV.
The automaker plans to start delivering Passenger and some Cargo models to Korean markets next month. Europe and other global markets will see these new purpose-built electric vehicles beginning in the fourth quarter.
What to Expect From the New Variants
Kia opened pre-orders for Passenger and Cargo models of the PV5 in the UK in May, so we have a good idea of what to expect from those. We’ve also caught glimpses of the PV5 with an open bed and the Conversion model.
The PV5 will offer two battery pack options: a smaller 51.5 kWh battery or a larger 71.2 kWh variant. The Passenger will have a maximum range of 249 miles, while the Cargo model will have a maximum range of 247 miles when outfitted with the larger battery option.
Kia plans to sell just 3,000 to 4,000 PV5 EV vans during the first full sales year. However, the automaker expects to sell closer to 17,000 of them annually by the end of the decade.
New Developments to Follow
The PV5 is just the beginning of Kia’s mobility revolution. The automaker-turned-mobility company will be introducing a larger PV7 model in 2027 and a PV9 in 2029. All models are built at Kia’s Hwaseong EVO plant in South Korea.
We don’t have specific dates yet for when the PV5 will hit US markets, or when you can expect to start seeing the new variants on the road. Don’t worry, though. Soon enough, you’ll be able to place an order for your new luxury van RV at your local Kia dealer.
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