Kia’s all-electric PV5 has taken the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) title for 2026, marking a historic first victory for both Kia and a Korean manufacturer.

Judges praised the PV5 for its innovation, efficiency and all-round capability

The award was presented tonight (19 November) at the IVOTY Award Gala during the Solutrans 2025 show in Lyon, France.

PV5 – Kia’s first fully electric van – launched earlier this year in Cargo and Crew versions along with the Passenger MPV version. The Korean brand also debuted the PV5 Chassis Cab at Solutrans this week.

The PV5 Cargo (L2H1) has also proven its real-world usability, scoring a Guinness World Records title for the longest distance travelled by an electric van with full payload on a single charge.

For the IVOTY 2026 title, the PV5 went up against six other models launched in 2025, including two other electric vans. Finalists included China’s Farizon SV, the Ford E-Transit Courier, E-Transit (Long Range) and Transit Connect PHEV, plus the Volkswagen Transporter/E-Transporter and Crafter / MAN TGE.

A jury of journalists representing 26 countries chose the PV5 as the winner of the 34th International Van of the Year Awards.

Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the IVOTY jury, said: “The all-electric Kia PV5 sets a new benchmark for innovation, efficiency and all-round capability in the light commercial vehicle segment. It combines zero-emission performance with versatility and practicality, redefining what businesses can expect from a modern van. Kia has long been celebrated for its award-winning cars and now its van division is making an equally powerful impact on the industry.”

Ho Sung Song, president and CEO of Kia Corporation, commented: “To have the PV5 named International Van of the Year in its debut is an exceptional honour. It reinforces our belief that Kia can redefine this segment and continue shaping the future of smart, sustainable and electric mobility for businesses around the world.”

Marc Hedrich, Kia Europe’s president and chief executive, added: “Though new to the LCV market, this achievement confirms Kia’s readiness to deliver engineering, design and practicality to strengthen our position as a leading mobility solutions provider. Our sincere thanks go to the IVOTY jurors for this recognition and to all Kia employees for their dedication.”

Based on Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), the PV5 offers up to 258 miles (Cargo L2H1) and 256 miles (Passenger five-seater) of all-electric range (AER, WLTP). It’s capable of DC charging from 10 to 80% in under 30 minutes and has a payload capacity of up to 790kg.

Available now in Cargo (L2H1) and Passenger (five-seater) versions across Europe, the PV5 will be joined from 2026 by new variants, including the newly unveiled Chassis Cab, short-wheelbase Cargo (L1H1), and High Roof (L2H2). The larger PV7 and PV9 are currently in development.