Kia has uncovered its PV5 midsized electric van complete with a range of up to 400km (248 miles), 30-minute fast-charging capability and Passenger, Cargo and converted variants.

Revealed in full at the 2025 Kia EV Day in Tarragona, Spain, the PV5 is the first dedicated model in Kia’s Beyond Vehicle (PBV) electric van business strategy, dubbed ‘Professional Business Vans’ in the UK.

It will be available in Passenger people mover and Cargo panel van configurations from launch, delivering a rival to the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo. The line-up will also include additional derivative models and converted variants using a chassis cab version.

All versions feature a 163hp front-mounted motor producing up to 250Nm of torque, fed by a choice of 51.5kWh or 71.2kWh battery, with an additional 43.3kWh option for the PV5 Cargo. When equipped with the 71.2kWh battery, the PV5 Passenger achieves the headline range of up to 248 miles.

The PV5 Passenger features a three-row seat configuration, which can be optimised for luggage or camping scenarios and has been developed with ride-hailing use cases in mind.

The PV5 Cargo (High Roof) offers up to 5.1m3 of capacity, with standard, long, and high-roof versions available, with the high-roof model also available in a walk-through version. The standard and long specifications are designed with a typical two-seat passenger layout, with a three-seat layout optional. The high roof specification offers an additional roof console as standard.

The Cargo model offers a maximum cargo space of 5.1m3, providing competitive cargo capacity compared with traditional CDVs (car-derived vans), and is capable of accommodating two Euro pallets. It also has a low cargo room step height of 419mm and features various cargo securing options such as lashing points and L-tracks, offering conversion specifications previously available only through external modifications, now directly provided and guaranteed by Kia. Meanwhile, vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality improves efficiency.

The PV5 Chassis Cab is supplied as an incomplete vehicle, with a shared cabin, which utilises the front section of the PV5 Cargo. It has been developed to support a diverse range of conversion configurations, from dropside to freezer box models.

“Multiple further iterations” of the PV5 will be made available, both through Kia directly and via partnerships with global conversion companies.

Two of the first additional variants will be the PV5 Crew, which features various cargo securing options, such as lashing points and L-tracks, and the PV5 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), which improves mobility for disabled users.

As with future PBV models, the PV5 is built on the brand’s E-GMP.S platform, a dedicated battery-electric skateboard architecture that allows for flexible combinations of various vehicle bodies and will enable a wide range of PBVs, catering to various segments from small to large models.

Kia has also established a dedicated PBV manufacturing facility (EVO Plant) and plans for a conversion centre, ensuring high-quality vehicle production and comprehensive support through warranties and predictive maintenance services.

Ho Sung Song, president and CEO at Kia, said: “By integrating the clean efficiency of an electric powertrain with the unprecedented flexibility of our new PBV architecture and advancing our product, software, and manufacturing innovations, the PV5 embodies our core values as a sustainable mobility solutions provider.

“Modern vehicles have become incredibly complex, but with the PV5, Kia has united multiple cutting-edge technologies toward the goal of simplifying users’ mobility experiences. This removes complexity from their personal transport needs and frees them to focus on the pursuit of their ambitions and fulfilment of their passions.”

Additionally, Kia has developed the Flexible Body System, which enables the modular assembly of body components. This capability will aid Kia to address diverse customer needs by providing standard models including passenger, cargo, chassis cab, WAV (wheelchair accessible vehicle) and family. Additionally, it will feature conversion models including the, dropside, box van, freezer box, ‘Prime” (advanced model based on Passenger), and Light Camper.

Kia has integrated an Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS)-based In-Vehicle infotainment (IVI) system in its PBV vehicles to offer a wider range of app services and improve usability for business partners.

The South Korean brand is focusing on the integrated delivery of vehicles and solutions that enhance business efficiency – which it says traditional light commercial vehicles (LCVs) have struggled to achieve.

Kia is also establishing partnerships with various clients and companies to support its PBV business platform such as BraunAbility, a leading manufacturer of vehicle adaptation solutions, and software partners like 42dot and Samsung Electronics. The latter collaboration extends Samsung’s IoT platform, SmartThings Pro, to Kia PBVs, thereby offering business customers a connected experience that bridges their vehicles to the broader workplace IoT ecosystem.

The PV5’s contemporary design is inspired by Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy and offers “a fresh aesthetic that emphasises flexibility and customisation through modularisation”.

The new van’s design also plays a key role in vehicle safety, with particular attention paid to improved forward and side visibility.

The PV5 will also deliver a radical approach to colour, materials and finish, teaming up vibrant colours inside and out with durable, easy-to-clean, sustainable materials.

Onboard technology includes a 7-inch driver display and a 12.9-inch infotainment screen as well as Digital Key 2.0 technology for enhanced vehicle access.

The Android Automotive OS-based infotainment system and app market enable the use of business-specific applications and over-the-air (OTA) updates deliver latest specifications.

Sales of the PV5 models will begin in Korea and Europe in the second half of this year, followed by launches in other markets in 2026. Conversion models are set to start production sequentially between 2025 and 2026.

Full UK specifications and pricing for Kia PV5 will be confirmed later in 2025.