Update: All sections revised.
The Kia PV5 is set to be the brand’s first mid-sized, purpose-built vehicle (PBV), launching globally this year. As part of Kia’s PBV business strategy, it was unveiled as a concept during the Consumer Electronics Show 2024 event in Las Vegas alongside two other PBV concepts, the PV7 and PV1.
I got to explore the realistic Kia PV5 Concept at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, and here are my expectations from the production model. Note that Kia will share details about the first fully-electric van, including interior details, specifications and plans for the commercial vehicle market, on February 27.
Potential U.S. arrival in 2026
Kia is potentially viewing the United States as the multi-purpose vehicle’s top market. I say this because the company unveiled the concept at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, and at the Work Truck Week in Indianapolis shortly thereafter, making its local intentions clear. In its announcement for the latter, it had this to say:
The PV5 concept was presented at CES in various versions, including Basic, High Roof, Robotaxi and Pickup, with potential for arrival in the US market in 2026.
From Kia America’s announcement on March 1, 2024
Furthermore, at the SEMA 2024 last November, Kia Design Center America presented the PV5 WKNDR Concept, its adaptation of the electric van designed for outdoor use, featuring off-road tires, a modular interior, and a “Gear Head” storage system that doubles as a mobile pantry. Kia America wouldn’t keep showing it and gathering feedback unless it was serious about selling its electric van to U.S. buyers.
Tariffs will spoil Kia’s party
While U.S. pricing plans are still unannounced, the company has said that it is targeting a price of 35,000 Euros for the PV5 in Europe.
If the Donald Trump administration proceeds with its intention of ~25% tariffs on vehicle imports on April 2, 2025, the PV5 is set to lose its advantage in the United States, as this is a price sensitive segment. To circumvent tariffs, Kia would have to build the vehicle at its U.S. factory, but it has not talked about investments for PBV manufacturing outside South Korea.
Production in S.Korea
Kia has said that it plans to begin production of the PV5 and other PBVs in the second half of 2025 at its purpose-built factory in Hwaseong, South Korea. The new factory is expected to produce 150,000 units annually, with plans for future expansion to support larger PBV offerings. This facility will be Kia’s first dedicated plant for PBVs and the first in South Korea to focus exclusively on electric vehicles.
We’re fairly certain that Kia will plan exclusive dealerships and service points in all markets for its business vans, and will not sell it alongside its passenger cars.
Three Variants
The PV5 will feature interchangeable modules, enabling the vehicle to be customized for various functions such as parcel deliveries, ridesharing, or personal use for an excursion. A hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology is used to attach the required module to the vehicle.
Kia has confirmed plans to offer Basic (Passenger), Van (Delivery), and Chassis Cab variants of the PV5 when it hits the market this year. For the UK, it has confirmed plans to offer a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty. The sales and marketing plan for the U.S. isn’t confirmed, but a strong warranty program will help attract American buyers.
Passenger & Cargo Models
Kia has digitally revealed the exterior of the PV5 Passenger Van and PV5 Cargo Van. The Passenger model is designed for personal and shared mobility, while the Cargo model is conceived for freight transport.
The PV5’s design takes on Kia’s “Opposites United” philosophy, balancing a clean upper body with a rugged lower section. The geometric wheel arch claddings and rocker panels give it an off-road-inspired stance, while the interchangeable bumper corners are a practical feature.
The PV5 Passenger features a low beltline and large window area for better visibility. Its signature lighting and black accents add style to the utilitarian body shape, while the rear includes a lift-up tailgate. The Cargo model, in contrast, has a more boxy design with practical twin side-opening tailgate doors.
Usual Kia goodies
I’m expecting Kia to offer the passenger application of the PV5 in 5-seat and 6-seat configurations. As previewed in the concept, I’m certain that the production model will get Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) that lets drivers charge other EVs or electrical appliances, Digital Key 2.0 which turns the smartphone into the vehicle’s key, enabling it to be shared among family or colleagues, and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates to keep the Kia ccNC infotainment system running smoothly are also certain.
Dedicated Platform
The PV5 is built on Kia’s electric vehicle (EV) platform, which maximizes interior space by utilizing an extended wheelbase, and pushing the pillars to the corners. I’m expecting a 400V electrical architecture for the smaller vehicles including the PV5, while an 800V system could be reserved for high-spec PBVs like the PV7 where the vehicle requires a larger battery pack.
Robotaxi variant
Kia has partnered with Motional, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, to develop a robotaxi version of the PV5 (PV5-R). The robotaxi will incorporate advanced autonomous driving technologies, supporting the brand’s efforts to release a self-driving, ridesharing solution in the future.
Minivan or Van?
Having seen it up close and learned about its features and other attributes, the PV5 is not an electric minivan or an electric van, for it tries to find a middle ground between these two categories. When it eventually drives into the U.S., we expect the PV5 and PV7 to find appeal among customers who are considering the VW ID. Buzz, Mercedes V-Class Electric, and the Ford E-Transit, though these models aren’t strictly its competitors.
An automobile engineer by training, I’ve analyzed the global car market since 2005, with a keen focus on EVs since 2008. My journey in online automotive publishing spans 17 years, during which I have reviewed cutting-edge automotive technologies and interviewed leading global CEOs and vehicle developers.
