The KIA PV5 Cargo breaks the Guinness World Record for range when loaded to the maximum

The next time you hear someone doubt the effectiveness of electric commercial vehicles for the day-to-day tasks of any professional, show them this news. The KIA PV5 Cargo, the new van from the South Korean manufacturer based on the innovative PBV platform, has just set a Guinness record by covering 693.38 km on a single charge. But that’s not all, because it did so while carrying the maximum load permitted for this van.

This achievement, verified by inspectors from two independent agencies, demonstrates the efficiency and robustness of this commercial vehicle, as well as its suitability for the daily work of the vast majority of professionals.

The test took place a few weeks ago on public roads north of Frankfurt, Germany, using a PV5 Cargo unit equipped with the largest battery capacity on offer, with 71.2 kWh. The route consisted of a mixed circuit 58.2 kilometres long combining urban and interurban sections. The South Korean van had to navigate traffic, traffic lights, roundabouts, and even sloped areas to simulate as closely as possible the typical routes of any parcel delivery driver.

In real life, the PV5 Cargo’s range could actually be even greater, since as deliveries are made the weight of the load decreases; in this case, the test was carried out carrying a load of 665 kilograms throughout the entire journey. The test was completed in 22 hours and 30 minutes, covering nearly twelve full laps of the circuit in that time.

Under scrutiny

The record was certified by experts from the independent agencies TÜV Hessen and Buck Vermessung, who previously verified the van’s weight and sealed the loading port to prevent tampering. To make matters even more transparent, the GPS and several interior cameras installed in the vehicle recorded every detail, ensuring absolute transparency in the achievement of this feat.

“This record with the PV5 Cargo marks a key step in our vision of mobility solutions that go beyond mere transport. It validates that our Beyond Vehicle Platform (PBV) not only innovates in design but also excels in real-world practice, with proven efficiency.”

On sale in Europe since the beginning of this year, with the PV5 Cargo the South Korean manufacturer aims to carve out a place in this market, using for this a modified version of the E-GMP platform from Hyundai Motor. With a length of 4.70 metres, similar to that of the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, and a 400-volt architecture to reduce costs, this van offers the performance, range, and versatility that professionals demand.

KIA hopes to surpass 3,000 units sold of the PV5 Cargo after its first full year on the market, thereby laying the foundations for a greater presence of its commercial vehicles in the future.