KIA unveils two new variants of its PV5 Cargo electric van

KIA has just announced an expansion of its range of electric commercial vehicles with two new versions of the PV5 Cargo: the high-roof L2H2 variant and the more compact L1H1. In addition, the South Korean brand plans to launch versions with three side panels in the future and has introduced a new, lower-capacity battery pack as the base option.

For the time being, the company has not yet revealed the market launch date for these new PV5 Cargo variants, nor their final prices. What we do know are the main technical specifications of both models.

The L2H2 version keeps the same length as the L2H1, that is, 4.67 metres. However, its height increases to 2.21 metres, compared with 1.82 metres for the latter. This 30-centimetre increase translates directly into greater cargo volume. The interior height of the rear compartment thus rises from 1.52 to 1.82 metres, while the length of 2.25 metres and the width of 1.57 metres remain unchanged. According to the manufacturer, usable volume grows from 4.4 cubic metres in the L2H1 to 5.165 cubic metres in the L2H2, measured under the VDA standard. Although the PV5 belongs to the S-van segment, KIA highlights that this capacity now approaches that offered by M-vans, making it an ideal option for those seeking a good balance between external size and load capacity.

The South Korean manufacturer has also improved the functionality of the high-roof model. Among the available options, a airline rail system stands out for securing cargo flexibly and safely. In the cabin, buyers can choose a three-seat bench instead of two individual seats, and there is the possibility of replacing the fixed partition with a passage opening between the driver’s area and the cargo area.

One PV5 Cargo variant for every type of customer

The shorter L1H1 variant, measuring 4.50 metres in length, is designed for urban logistics and service fleets that need great manoeuvrability in confined spaces. It offers 4.03 cubic metres of cargo volume and reduces the rear overhang to just 73 cm, while maintaining the same three-metre wheelbase as the L2 variants.

All three PV5 Cargo variants will be available with three battery options, of 43.3 kWh with LFP cells, or 51.5 and 71.2 kWh with NMC cells. The most affordable battery pack is particularly interesting for deliveries within defined areas that do not require long range. All three available battery packs support DC fast charging, allowing the state of charge to be increased from 10 to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. Likewise, for AC charging they incorporate an onboard 22 kW charger.

Although prices have not yet been confirmed, the L1H1 version with the 51.5 kWh battery is expected to be somewhat more affordable than the current L2H1, while the L2H2 will cost slightly more.

With these additions, KIA strengthens its PBV strategy –Platform Beyond Vehicle– which also includes the chassis cab variants, the Crew Van and the PV5 Passenger with up to five seats. In the coming years, the PV7 2027 and the PV9 2029 will arrive, with more than 40 body variants in total to suit the most diverse needs of professionals and businesses.