Kia Gears Up to Launch its Electric Van
Kia is set to launch its first all-electric van next year, entering a competitive market currently dominated by names like Ford, Mercedes, and Stellantis. However, Kia believes it has an advantage as its upcoming van will be built on a dedicated EV platform, designed specifically for electric vehicles from the ground up. This contrasts with the current approach of converting existing internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms.
Ahead of its official debut, the vehicle, known as the PV5, has already been spotted undergoing testing. Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) lineup, revealed in January, offers a glimpse into the company’s strategy to lead this growing market.
Kia’s PBVs are intended to be “total mobility solutions,” combining EVs specially designed with advanced software. According to Kia, these new vehicles will “open the door to new businesses and lifestyles.”
President and CEO Ho Sung Song is quoted as saying that Kia is “excited to show that we are fully prepared to become the first mover in the global PBV market.”
The PV5 is built on a flexible, dedicated EV platform, allowing for customizable interiors. Kia plans a range of electric vans, from small to large, including the PV1, PV5, and PV7. Production will begin with the PV5, expected to launch next year. Designed as a medium-sized EV van, the PV5 will cater towards delivery services, ride-sharing operations, and personal use.
Dedicated EV Platform
All Kia electric vans will be built on the dedicated e-CCPM (Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module) from Hyundai Mobis. Pierre-Martin Bos, Kia’s European PBV director, believes this gives them an advantage over the competition. “We go further than existing solutions because we have a dedicated EV platform,” Bos told Automotive News in an interview.
While Ford, Stellantis, Renault, and Mercedes currently lead the electric van market, their models are largely electric conversions of existing ICE platforms. Kia’s approach, with a dedicated platform, offers potential benefits. Both Mercedes and Renault have also announced plans to launch EV vans using dedicated platforms, but Kia aims to be the first to market.
Market Advantages and Production Plans
If Kia launches the PV5 next year as planned, while Mercedes and Renault are slated to begin production in the year 2026, Kia would gain a first-mover advantage. Using a dedicated EV platform, Kia can offer a lower loading bed, more advanced technology, enhanced connectivity, and other premium features. Kia believes these features will help it compete effectively in the electric van market.
The automaker has some experience launching PBVs already. Before UK startup Arrival, in which Kia (and Hyundai) invested, declared bankruptcy earlier this year, it had developed a prototype. “Arrival helped us understand what it means to launch PBV,” Bos said.
Kia aims for a range of around 249 miles (400 km), which would exceed Ford’s E-Transit Custom (380 km). Although Kia currently uses NMC batteries, it is exploring LFP (lithium iron phosphate) alternatives. LFP batteries “will make it more accessible to a wider audience because of the pricing,” Bos explained. Official pricing is yet to be announced.
Production of Kia’s PBVs will take place at a dedicated plant in Autoland Hwaseong, Korea. Expected to open next year, the factory will have an annual capacity of 150,000 units. By 2030, this number could potentially double to around 300,000. PV5 production is scheduled to begin in August 2025. The larger PV7 is planned for launch around 2027, and campervan enthusiasts will be happy to know it’s large enough for conversions.
