Kia’s PV5 WKNDR Concept: A Dream Overland Camper Van
The Kia PV5 WKNDR concept electric van is a vision of what could be if Kia were to create a production-ready overland camper van. This futuristic vehicle was showcased at SEMA and is part of Kia’s PV series, which is based on the Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) architecture. The PV5 is designed to be modular and flexible, making it an exciting prospect for adventure-seekers.
The PV5 WKNDR concept takes the base PV5 van and transforms it into an off-road-ready adventure mobile. It features a radically re-configurable interior, an integrated winch, a solar-panel-equipped pop-top, and a modular rack system. While the likelihood of Kia producing a turn-key camper van like this in the U.S. market is low, the concept gives us a glimpse into the versatility of the PV5 platform.
The PV5 is expected to lead Kia’s charge into the electric commercial vehicle market. Other vans in the PV series will follow, offering various configurations to suit different needs. The concept also raises the possibility of aftermarket modifications, allowing owners to customize their vehicles for overlanding and adventure-seeking.
Kia also unveiled the EV9 ADVNTR concept alongside the PV5 WKNDR. This concept SUV features a 3-inch lift, roof rack, knobby tires, tow hooks, and light bars, hinting at a potential off-road-focused trim level for the production EV9. A similar approach has been taken by Hyundai with the 2025 Ioniq 5 XRT, which includes aggressive cladding and all-terrain tires.
While we may not see the exact features of the PV5 WKNDR concept in a production model, it showcases the potential of Kia’s electric vehicle platform. The future of electric adventure vehicles looks bright, and Kia is at the forefront of this innovation.
