Kia PV5: the new electric passenger van from Kia, with over 400 km of range and available from €25,450

Kia could not have made a better start in the mid-size commercial vehicle segment. It does so with the new Kia PV5, available in Passenger, Cargo and Chassis Cab versions. The Passenger version comes with plenty of arguments to become an alternative both to this type of vehicle used for professional passenger transport and to private buyers who need a family car with plenty of space, filling the gap left in the market by the disappearance of large MPVs.

In terms of size and list price, the PV5 is closer to the long-wheelbase versions of vehicles such as the Renault Kangoo Combi E-TECH, Peugeot E-Rifter, Citroën E-Berlingo, Opel Combo Electric or Ford E-Tourneo than to the vans of the upper segment, such as the Opel Zafira Electric or the Peugeot E-Traveller. Conceptually, and with a similar size -although it is slightly larger-, a direct rival is the Volkswagen ID-Buzz, which is clearly more expensive.

A very striking design and plenty of interior space

Developed on the E-GMP.S platform, a specific adaptation of the one used in passenger cars dedicated to the new generation of PBV models from Kia, characterised by great flexibility in developing models of different sizes, the PV5 stands out for its robust and modern design. Its proportions, with a length of 4.69 metres, a width of 1.89 metres and a height of 1.90 metres (excluding the antenna), are very square, very “van-like”. However, the design, with a large glazed surface, black pillars creating a “floating roof” effect, and mouldings on the wheel arches and sills, moves the image of the PV5 away from that of a commercial vehicle and closer to that of an MPV. In addition, very striking body colours are available, in red, grey, green or white tones.

The architecture, with a flat floor and an engine that occupies very little space in the bay, allows the front axle to be moved forward and a very short overhang, bringing the wheelbase to 3 metres, with what this means for the interior space, which is excellent. A choice of different seating configurations is available, with up to three rows, and with multiple interior compartments and trays. In the five-seat configuration, the second-row seats can recline or fold down to leave a flat surface, with a generous boot that reaches 1,330 litres, and can extend to 3,615 litres with the seats folded. Access to the rear seats is via two sliding side doors which can be electrically operated, while the tailgate is a single-piece unit hinged at the roof.

Although the high, very “upright” driving position does recall a van, the interior presentation, both in terms of materials and feel and in the range of finishes, combining bold colours and eco-friendly materials, is reminiscent of the brand’s passenger cars. A new material used on the floor as an alternative to PVC is, according to Kia, characterised by its durability and easy cleaning. There is also a choice of different upholstery combinations, with fabric and vegan leather, or leather only in a two-tone finish. There are flexible storage areas to personalise the space, and the large 12.9-inch standalone multimedia screen stands out, complementing the 7-inch digital instrument cluster.

Two battery versions, up to 416 km of range

The Kia PV5 is offered with two motor/battery versions: the Medium Range variants have an electric motor with a power output of 90 kW (122 CV) and a maximum torque of 250 Nm, and a 51.5 kWh battery that allows a homologated range of up to 297 km. For the “Long Range” versions with a 71.2 kWh battery, the range reaches 416 km on a single charge, and the motor delivers 120 kW (163 CV). Top speed is limited to 135 km/h in both versions, while acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is 16.2 seconds with the small battery, and 12.4 seconds for the Long Range variant. Towing capacity is 750 kg for the “Medium Range”, and 1,500 kg with the more powerful motor and the larger-capacity battery.

As for charging power, it accepts up to 11 kW on alternating current (three-phase), which means 4 hours and 45 minutes to charge to 100% with the small battery, and six and a half hours for the larger one. Charging times from a domestic socket are, as you can imagine, “eternal”: 21 and 30 hours respectively. With direct current, the maximum charging power is up to 150 kW, which allows going from 10 to 80% capacity in 30 minutes. This, especially in the longer-range variant, makes the PV5 a vehicle also suitable for long journeys.

Range and prices of the Kia PV5 Passenger

The Kia PV5 Passenger is offered in three trim levels: Essential, Plus and Elite. The first two can be chosen with either battery variant, while the top-of-the-range Elite is only combined with the larger-capacity battery. With the small battery, the list price starts at €38,690 for the PV5 Passenger Essential, €40,190 for the Plus trim, and from €47,190 with the Elite trim. The price difference between the two battery versions with identical equipment is €4,000 in the Essential trim, and €4,900 in the Plus versions.

Counting all the possible discounts and promotions, namely the brand’s promotional discount, the one corresponding to the MOVES Plan, the additional CAES discount and the financing discount, these list prices are reduced in the best case by up to €13,245, which leaves a PV5 Passenger Medium Range in Essential trim from €24,450, or the top-of-the-range Elite with large battery for €33,950, which are very competitive prices. For this top-of-the-range version, the luxury pack is optionally offered, which for €1,900 adds an electrically operated tailgate and side doors, ventilated front seats and a digital key.

Kia PV5 – Image gallery