Kia PV5 finally revealed with 248-mile range and more

The Kia PV5’s full details have been revealed: three models, powertrain options, and a whole lot of modularity.

At last, the real deal. We liked what we saw when we caught up with Kia’s PV5 prototype in person late last year ( even if was a little too chatty for our liking) but now we can share the full details.

The first instalment from Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) range — the Korean brand’s first foray into the world of vans — has officially been unveiled: the PV5. 

Why reveal one model, when you can reveal three?

Following a similar blueprint to Mercedes’ VAN.EA architecture and the Renault Flexis range, the PV5 consists of a modular van body sat atop Kia’s ‘E-GMP.S’ framework — a battery-electric skateboard platform which underpins the entire PBV range. But that’s old news, so what’s the fresh scoop?

Quite a lot: we were treated to not just one new model, but three. Well, actually, five if you include the wheelchair accessible and crew cab spinoffs shown, but the focus was on the three core variations.

PV5 Passenger

First up: the PV5 Passenger, available later this year. Kia have positioned this as the people-carrier of the range, taking input from Uber to hone its ride hailing capabilities.

Like Inception for vans, there is modularity within the modular body, exemplified by the three ‘fold-and-dive’ seating rows which can be optimised to different user needs. Expecting a lot of luggage? Throw the chairs into a 2-3-0 formation and you’ll free up the back for suitcases, or drop into an ultra-defensive 1-2-3 layout and the driver-side space becomes available as a spot to haul belongings.

Storage nooks and crannies are then moulded around these seating setups. For example, in 2-3-0 you’ll find storage adapted into the dash, front, middle, and back rows, as well as the floor. Add to this a smattering of USB ports, alongside some heated rear seats to keep passengers comfy, and we reckon all that’s missing is an orange taxi light on top. 

That said, Kia also boasts the 1-2-3 layout’s potential as ‘an ideal setup for a weekend camping trip’, giving a peek at the van’s flexibility. Will the reclining seats allow for an unexpected competitor for the likes of Ford’s Nugget camper or VW’s California? We’ll keep our eyes peeled.

PV5 Cargo

Next in line: the PV5 Cargo, also available later this year. The second model swaps out people for packages, offering a capacity up to 5.1m³, and — you guessed it — more modular options within the standard, long, and high-roof versions available.

It’s all about ergonomics in here, and like the new Renault Estafette, driver wellbeing takes centre stage. Pop on the high roof module and the PV5 becomes a ‘walk through’ van to protect backs, knees, and in unfortunate cases, foreheads. This is then combined with a cargo step height of just under 42 cm for easy loading and unloading, which when modern delivery shifts packing more ups and downs than the average cryptocurrency investment, can go a long way.

The Cargo model is available with either two or three seats up in the cabin, and in the high roof walkthrough variant, one of these chairs sinks out of the way to provide easy access to the sliding side door.

PV5 Chassis

And the last of the core range, set to follow with a later release: PV5 Chassis Cab.

Supplied as an incomplete vehicle consisting of the PV5 Cargo’s front end and a flat rear structure to act as a blank canvas, this is one for the DIY’ers. The mounting brackets at the back are designed to support ‘a diverse range of conversion configurations’ from decks, to drop sides, to freezer box models — all aided by a 4.5 m length to provide ample space for a wide range of custom modifications.

What lies beneath

And finally, we now have some confirmation of the skateboard-based powertrain beneath the PBV range’s modular uppers.

All variants will have the option of either a 51.5 kwh or 71.2 kwh battery to drive the 120 kw electric motor, while the PV5 Cargo has an additional 43.3 kwh battery which can be selected. This will allow for a handy range of up to 248 miles — that’s 39 miles further than a Ford E-Transit Custom, and 23 further than the upcoming Farizon Supervan, for context. And once the battery needs a topping up, this can be done from 10-80% in just 30 minutes, so the downtime shouldn’t be too painful either.

And that’s a wrap, for now at least. The PV5 is imminent, and we’ll keep a look out for further details and the full release approaches.

Hero image credit: Kia