The Kia PV5 WKNDR: An Electric Van Concept That Deserves to Be Real
Falling in love with a concept car is a gamble. Many never materialize, and those that do often disappointingly diverge from their original design. However, Kia’s PV5 WKNDR electric van concept has captured attention, making a compelling case for its reality.
The PV5 WKNDR made its first appearance at SEMA, the giant aftermarket and performance trade show, earlier this month, before making an appearance at the LA Auto Show. Even days after seeing the vehicle, I was still thinking about it.
Kia’s modular Platform Beyond Vehicle program has big plans as it expands into the commercial vehicle space; some of the ideas there are pretty wild, including transforming body types, autonomous driving and crab-walking wheels to deliver cargo to tight areas. The PV5 WKNDR streamlines this concept. When repurposed for a consumer van aimed at off-road and off-grid adventuring, the PV5 WKNDR becomes an ‘escape pod for extended weekends in nature’ and is likened to a ‘Swiss Army Knife on wheels.’ The concept features off-road tires, a customized interior with lounge seats, camping chairs, tables, and an extending rooftop tent, and towing hooks. The van also boasts solar panels for offboard charging and ‘hydro turbine wheels’ that generate electricity while spinning.
The PV5 WKNDR is a potential escape pod for extended weekends in nature.
EVs can provide ample electricity when stationary to power campsites and devices. If you apply that idea to a larger vehicle with a bigger battery, you can enable a ton of zero-emission power when you go camping. It makes a strong case for an electric off-road machine. The Kia PV5 WKNDR is a great idea and I hope the automaker finds some way to make it a reality. At the LA Auto Show, people will be charmed by the concept.
