Kia has unveiled its entry into the electric van market: the PV5. This new vehicle positions Kia as a direct competitor to the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, offering a range of configurations and the potential for a campervan variant.
Kia’s PV5 boasts distinctive futuristic styling, including sleek LED headlights that extend from the bumpers to the A-pillars and a relatively flat window design. Many models also feature a dual-tone paint scheme, with protective grey plastic elements on the lower body.
The PV5 is built on the same platform as the EV3 hatchback. It is anticipated to be priced around €30,000 (£25,000) in mainland Europe, potentially making it more affordable than many existing diesel models. This price point places Kia’s offering as a compelling option in the commercial vehicle segment.
Three versions of the PV5 will be available at launch. These include the ‘Cargo’ van (two-seater), the ‘Chassis Cab’ pickup, and the ‘Passenger’ model (five-seater). The ‘Cargo’ version offers a substantial 5.1 cubic meter loading capacity, twin side-opening doors, and an innovative rail system for easier loading of bulky items.
Buyers will have a choice of three battery options, ranging from 43.3 to 71.2kWh. The high-end variants are projected to offer a range of 249 miles, roughly 30 miles less than the top-spec Volkswagen ID.Buzz.
In an interview with Auto Express, Pierra Martin-Bos, PBV Director for Kia Europe, signaled the brand’s interest in expanding the PV5 range with a campervan version. Martin-Bos stated, “Obviously there is also a big market of campervans that have been built by [other brands] so therefore we want to consider these partnerships. It’s important that we provide for this.” He also highlighted the diesel-centric nature of many existing larger vehicle offerings, hinting at Kia’s commitment to shifting towards electric alternatives.
