KIA unveils the final design of the production version of its PV5 electric people carrier

Having unveiled just a few days ago the design of the production version of its future new electric saloon, the EV4, the South Korean manufacturer has now done the same with its next new electric MPV, the PV5. This model stands out for being the first to use the brand’s PBV platform – Platform Beyond Vehicle.

The PV5 will be marketed in two different variants, for passenger and cargo transport. In addition, the manufacturer will also offer special conversion options that will be presented at the KIA EV Day 2025, at the end of this month of February.

With the PBV models, KIA seeks to differentiate itself within the light commercial vehicle segment, moving away from the usual practice of adapting combustion vans into electric versions. The company thus bets on the use of a dedicated electric platform, accompanied by software and personalised services.

In this production version KIA has prioritised functionality

Although it retains elements of the prototypes we had already seen, such as an almost closed front end, the production model adopts some more practical details, such as its shorter bonnet with integrated sensors, daytime running lights located on the front instead of the A-pillar, conventional mirrors instead of cameras, and door handles that protrude rather than sitting flush. Likewise, at the rear of the vehicle we find fairly conventional vertical light clusters, which are very different from those of other brand models such as the EV3 or EV9.

The PV5 otherwise maintains a conventional “shoebox” shape, with the aim of maximising space, whether for cargo or passengers. The passenger variant has a one-piece rear tailgate that opens upwards, while the cargo version features two rear doors, thereby optimising functionality.

For now, the South Korean manufacturer has limited itself to revealing the design, but we have no data whatsoever on the technical specifications of its electric propulsion system. We therefore do not know the power of its motor, the capacity of its battery pack or its range.

In any case, this type of vehicle usually comes with battery packs of reduced capacity, since they are not normally used to cover long distances but to make deliveries within a single city or its surroundings. The company is expected to reveal all the details of its technical specifications during the KIA EV Day 2025, which, as already mentioned, will take place at the end of this same month.