Kia Unveils the PV5: A Modular Electric Van with U.S. Uncertainties
Kia may have hit the sweet spot in the electric van market with the unveiling of its PV5. This vehicle, showcased at Kia’s EV Day event in Spain, presents a compelling option in the electric van landscape, positioned between the futuristic Hyundai Staria and more conventional offerings. While the PV5 has all the ingredients for success, its availability in the United States remains uncertain.
The Kia PV5 offers flexibility with its battery options, featuring either a 51.5-kWh or a 71.2-kWh pack. The larger battery promises a range of 248 miles, slightly exceeding the Volkswagen ID Buzz’s 234-mile range. The van’s fast-charging capabilities allow the battery to go from 10% to 80% in just 30 minutes. However, the PV5’s electric motor produces 160 horsepower, which might seem a bit underwhelming compared to the ID Buzz’s 282 horsepower.
Modularity: The PV5’s Key Strength
The PV5 truly shines with its modular interior and flat floor design. The passenger version includes a three-row seating configuration, where the third row or the front passenger seat can be removed to create more cargo space. The commercial version, the PV5 Cargo, can be ordered with a high roof, providing up to 54.9 square feet of cargo space. This model can also be specified with a smaller 43.3-kWh battery. Kia’s goal with the PV5 is to simplify users’ mobility experiences.
Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song stated:
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.
U.S. Availability: A Question Mark
While the PV5 is expected to be available in Europe and Korea in the second half of 2025, US customers may need to wait. Song mentioned Kia’s intention to bring the PV5 to the U.S., despite the 25% “chicken tax,” according to Motor1. Further variants of the PV5 are planned, including a wheelchair-accessible vehicle, a chassis cab version, and a Crew iteration with cargo lashing points. The situation means that the U.S. could miss out on what appears to be a strong contender in the modern panel van segment.
