Kia Reveals Details of the Affordable PV5 Electric Van
Fresh details about the upcoming 2026 Kia PV5 electric van have emerged following its debut at the 2025 Kia EV Day. Among the most significant news is the vehicle’s competitive price. The battery-powered Kia PV5, designed to compete with models like the LDV eDeliver 7, Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo, and Ford E-Transit Custom, is expected to start from just €30,000 (approximately $A50,000) in Europe.
There is currently no definitive pricing or launch date confirmed for Australia. Kia Australia has expressed interest in bringing the PV5 to the local market.
As the first model in Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBV) strategy, the PV5 is based on the Kia EV3 SUV’s E-GMP platform, although it uses the less powerful 400V electrical architecture. Its design has been modified to feature a flat rear floor and increased payload capacity. The larger flagship PV7 is expected to arrive approximately two years later.
The PV5 is powered by a single 120kW/250Nm electric motor that drives the front wheels. It will be available with three battery options: 43.3kWh, 51.5kWh, or a larger 71.2kWh battery. The largest battery is projected to deliver a range of up to 400km, surpassing the Ford E-Transit Custom’s 337km but falling slightly short of the VW ID. Buzz Cargo’s 431km range.
While charging rates have not yet been announced, a 10 to 80 percent charge is expected to take around 30 minutes, regardless of the battery size. The PV5 will also come standard with vehicle-to-load (V2L) technology, enabling it to function as a mobile power source for charging devices and powering tools on-site.
From launch, the PV5 will come in a variety of configurations, cargo, crew-cab, and people-mover versions. A higher-riding, off-road-focused version will follow, and Kia has partnered with conversion companies to offer a camper version. All variants will have two front seats, with a second row for the crew cab and a third for the people-mover.
Inside, there is a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment system, running Google Android Automotive and supporting business-specific apps. Specific payload data will be released later, but the cargo van is designed to accommodate a Euro pallet.
The cargo van is fitted with a new rail system on the floor and ceiling, allowing for the easy installation of cabinets and seats. The people-mover and cargo van models measure 4695mm in length, 1895mm in width, and 1899mm in height. Wheelbase is 2995mm. These dimensions make the PV5 shorter, narrower, and lower than the Volkswagen ID. Buzz or the Ford E-Transit Custom.
In terms of cargo space, the PV5 boasts a 5.1 cubic meter capacity, compared to 3.9 cubic meters offered by the ID. Buzz Cargo and 6.5 cubic meters of the E-Transit Custom.
A shorter, 4525mm-long PV5 Chassis Cab version will also be available. Exterior color options include Mint Gloss, Lakehouse Gray Gloss and Frost Blue Gloss. The exterior design features robust wheel arches and a lift-up tailgate with a low, 419mm load floor for easy access. The interior offers a palette of Deep Navy, Dove Gray, Espresso Brown, Terracotta Brown and Iceberg Green, all using easy-to-clean, environmentally-friendly fabrics.
The PV5 Passenger includes Kia’s ‘fold and dive’ three-row seating system, designed to maximize cargo space adaptability. The front passenger seat, and the second and third-row seating can be retained or removed based on user needs.
If the Kia PV5 is launched in Australia with its expected low pricing, it could offer a significant advantage over traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) rivals, providing commercial buyers with substantial savings on fuel and maintenance.
