The KIA PV5 will also be available in a chassis-cab configuration

KIA has just presented, at the Solutrans 2025 trade fair held in Lyon, the chassis-cab variant of the PV5, the first commercial vehicle with this configuration from the South Korean manufacturer available in Europe. This variant, which can already be reserved in Germany, expands the PV5 family, which until now included cargo vans and passenger minibuses, thus becoming a versatile base for all kinds of special bodies.

Developed in collaboration with European companies specialising in conversions, the PV5 chassis-cab allows a wide variety of structures to be installed within its less than five metres of length. It supports up to 1,005 kg of payload and volumes of up to eight cubic metres. As a practical example, the South Korean manufacturer has shown a unit of the PV5 converted into a food truck, as can be seen in the following image.

Like the rest of the PV5 range, this new variant uses the E-GMP.S architecture, the version specific to commercial vehicles of KIA’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy. Initially it will be available in Europe with a 51.5 kWh battery pack, although later, in 2026, it will also be marketed with a larger 71.2 kWh battery pack.

Two battery packs to choose from

As is easy to imagine, the range of the PV5 varies considerably depending on the body fitted -total weight, aerodynamics and consumption of the auxiliary systems installed- but to give an idea, the closed PV5 Cargo L2H1 can travel up to 297 km with the smaller battery pack and up to 416 km with the larger one.

When charging with direct current, the PV5 supports a peak power of 150 kW, which allows it to increase charging power from 10 to 80 per cent in about 30 minutes. Likewise, for AC charging using a wallbox it comes standard with an 11 kW onboard charger, and a 22 kW unit will also be offered as an option in the near future.

Although the official price of the PV5 chassis-cab has not yet been announced, the entry-level version of the Cargo variant is available in Germany from 32,932 euros with the smaller battery pack, while the Passenger variant can be purchased from 38,290 euros.

“We have worked hand in hand with bodybuilders, fleet managers and European companies to create a platform that opens every door, both for today’s needs and for future ones.”