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 van, box van, refrigerated truck, and camper versions set for release soon.
• It features a 161-horsepower engine and can travel up to 248 miles on a single charge.
• Kia has not dismissed the possibility of a U.S.-market variant, yet U.S. import tariffs make it costly to bring in commercially produced 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, marking the beginning of an extensive range of PBV (Platform-Based Vehicles) trucks and vans that Kia plans to introduce.

At launch, the PV5 will feature three primary body styles: Passenger, Cargo, and Chassis Cab. These options allow various customers to customize their vehicles according to their requirements due to the PBV’s flexible design. All PBVs will utilize an adapted form of the E-GMP.S platform, which is derived from the architecture found in similar models. Kia's EV6 , EV9 , et al. In this case, it’s a rechargeable electric skateboard designed to accommodate various body designs on top.

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 distinctive vehicles. Additionally, Kia collaborated with seasoned 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 was showcased at SEMA .

How do the various PV5 models differ visually? The passenger variant features a three-row seat arrangement along with a flip-up rear door. This setup allows for accommodating up to eight individuals arranged in a 2-3-3 pattern; however, you also have the option to stow the seats away to provide additional room for both yourself and your passengers.

The PV5 Cargo models are designed to serve as the backbone of the series. 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 up to 180 cubic feet and having a rear sill height of 16.5 inches (419 millimeters), this model allows for an impressive quantity of goods to fit inside.

The optional L-track mounting system ensures that loading items securely becomes straightforward. Additionally, having a vehicle-to-load (V2L) electrical outlet in the cargo space will be beneficial for powering devices during transit. Furthermore, Kia has implemented various data tracking features designed to assist fleet operators in performing predictive maintenance, monitoring service intervals, and much more. These systems can also receive updates wirelessly, eliminating the need for manual intervention to update software via USB sticks. This approach guarantees minimal disruption to operations as there won’t be any requirement for technicians to physically connect hardware for updating purposes.

For those seeking expandability with a PV5, the Chassis Cab model is the way to go. This option features the same cabin as the Cargo version, minus anything at the rear. The best part? You have complete freedom to add whatever you desire behind the cab, tailoring it specifically for your business needs.

Additional versions will soon be available. The Crew represents Kia’s proprietary in-house modification model featuring specifications formerly attainable solely through outside customizers. Models such as the Drop Side, Box Van, and Freezer Box are also heading our way. According to Kia, even more choices are planned for the future, which suggests an electric #Vanlyfe setup might not be far off within just a few years' time.

However, there is already another specialized vehicle available on the platform. The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), designated as a PV5, has a particular objective: ensuring easy access for wheelchairs. Unlike bulky aftermarket modifications, this model was conceived specifically with wheelchair users' needs in focus right from the design stage. This WAV features a ramp capable of supporting up to 661 lbs, which extends smoothly onto the sidewalk—an uncommon feature among rival vehicles. Within the cabin, an adaptable wheelchair restraint system ensures safety and security for passengers seated in the second-row positions near the front. Meanwhile, their companions have space to sit comfortably in the third row.

If you've driven a Kia passenger car before, you'll notice many similarities in the interior design of the PV5 series. The cabin features physical buttons, touchscreen displays, and conventional controls. However, as this is a modular vehicle, users will find it easier to customize their space compared to traditional cars. This offers numerous possibilities for upfitters.

When it comes to customizing the PV5 for commercial purposes, there are additional features tailored specifically for businesses. Included is a 7-inch digital instrument cluster along with a 12.9-inch navigation touchscreen, which enables fleet managers to integrate essential applications via Android Automotive. By collaborating with Samsung and leveraging its IoT platform, SmartThings Pro, Kia aims to provide PVB customers with a highly interconnected driving experience through their PV5 vehicles. This integration is designed to facilitate better management and monitoring of various smart technologies such as HVAC systems, signage solutions, household appliances, and numerous other intelligent office and domestic gadgets.
To improve overall usability, Kia has launched AddGear—a customizable lineup of accessories intended to optimize comfort and functionality within the vehicle interior. These add-ons come in multiple attractive color options for both inside and outside customization, incorporating sustainable materials wherever possible.

The PV5 will be equipped with a 161-horsepower engine delivering 184 lb-ft of torque, which receives its energy from one of three available batteries. For cargo versions of the PV5, customers have the option of selecting either a 43.3-kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery or two choices for the lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) pack: 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh. Other models within the lineup are limited to choosing between just the larger-capacity NMC packs. Under optimal conditions, this vehicle has an estimated maximum range of 248 miles according to the WLTP test cycle; using a suitable fast-charging station, it takes approximately half an hour to charge from 10% to 80%.

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

At EV Day, Kia’s President and CEO Ho Sung Song addressed the possibility of introducing a version of the PV5 into the market over time, emphasizing their intention to explore various opportunities as they arise. It's clear that Kia’s electric vehicle strategy will continue advancing beyond this point. Upcoming releases include the PV7 and PV9. Additionally, the fact that Kia begins its lineup with model "5" suggests potential for incorporating more compact variants in the future.

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