KIA starts accepting orders in Europe for its new PV5 van

KIA is almost ready to begin selling its first electric commercial vehicle in Europe, the PV5 Cargo, marking a milestone in the South Korean manufacturer’s mobility strategy. In the United Kingdom, the company has already opened orders in advance, and the same will soon happen in other European markets.

The PV5 Cargo is the first model from the South Korean firm born from the Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) initiative, focused on developing innovative electric commercial vehicles on an exclusive platform.

Presented at the IAA Transportation in September 2024, the PV5 Cargo heads the PBV range, which also includes concept models of smaller (PV1) and larger (PV7) sizes. At 4.70 metres long, this vehicle shares dimensions similar to those of, for example, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz standard wheelbase. However, unlike many competitors that adapt combustion platforms for electric commercial vehicles, the PV5 Cargo is based on an electric architecture optimised from the outset for this type of vehicle, the E-GMP.S, a variant of the E-GMP used in the Group’s Hyundai electric passenger vehicles. This platform allows great versatility, with variants including a passenger version for transport services and other configurations thanks to its modular system.

Price and available versions

In the United Kingdom, the PV5 Cargo is already available to order in the Essential version from £27,645 before tax, equipped with a 51.5 kWh battery pack. Meanwhile, the long-range version with a 71.2 kWh battery pack raises its price to £30,145. Likewise, the PV5 Passenger variant in its Essential version has a starting price of £32,995. KIA has not yet disclosed the cost of the Plus version, nor details of other configurations such as the PV5 Crew or the Chassis Cab, although they are expected to be announced soon.

Deliveries of the PV5 Cargo will begin at the end of 2025. In addition, KIA plans to introduce a 43.3 kWh LFP battery pack for the cargo model, ideal for delivery services in limited areas. The PV5’s electrical system operates at 400 volts, with fast-charging capability of up to 150 kW, allowing a charge from 10 to 80 percent in under 30 minutes, according to the manufacturer.

The PV5 Cargo stands out for its focus on functionality and efficiency, setting aside the compromises suffered by other competitors that use platforms originally designed for passenger cars. KIA’s PBV strategy also promises to keep evolving, with new variants and models from 2026 onward, thus consolidating its commitment to electric and sustainable mobility in Europe within the commercial vehicle sector.