Kia is entering the European light-commercial vehicle (LCV ) market in Europe late next year (or more likely in 2026 ) with what will fill-out into its planned full-electric PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle ) range. Kia laid out its future strategy at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES ) in Las Vegas back in January.
It has an ambitious target of becoming a top three player in full-electric vans. While Ford, Renault, Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz lead the electric van market, their respective models are based on combustion engine conversions, compared to Kia’s dedicated EV platform.
Kia's PBV line-up of electric vans will include several sizes, ranging from small to large. The PV5 seems similar in size to the Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo. In concept format, Kia has shown the PV5 in various other forms to display versatility - a high-roof model, a people-carrying minibus, a self-driving robo-taxi and a pick-up truck.
Kia is building a factory in South Korea that will assemble the first of the range to be launched, the mid-size PV5, which will then be imported into Europe. Kia has indicated that the PV5 will start at around €35,000 when it goes on sale. Sources say that sales of the PV5 are now more likely to commence in 2026 rater than later next year.
It will be followed by the PV7 in 2027, as part of phase two will run between then and 2032. The PV1 is expected to follow in 2028. This phase will then bring more connectivity and the PBV Ecosystem that will allow the vehicles to swap cargo between each other.
Sources say that the PV5 will come with some of the high-speed charging abilities of the Kia EV6. The PV5 is also likely to offer 400V capability, while the PV7 will up this to 800V.
You can expect a high level of technology in the PV5, such as drive-by-wire steering and braking, in-wheel motors and highly integrated electric features.
The current plan is for the PV5 to be front-wheel drive only, while the PV7 will be front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
The new LCV range will will be built on its dedicated EV platform, which is where the 'Platform Beyond Vehicle' name comes from.
The recent decision by the European Commission (EC ) to impose additional tariffs of up to 38 per cent on Chinese EVs could benefit Kia.
Kia’s key mission is to ensure that the brand’s PBVs are simple and intuitive to operate and engage with, regardless of where, when or how they are used.
Among the advantages that Kia says it has starting in the LCV segments is sustainability. It is at the core of Kia’s PBV design strategy. The opportunity to use materials such as bio plastic, post consumer material (PCM ) plastic, bio paint, recycled fabric and bio-PU foam limits environmental impact at the conception and down the road at the end-of-life stage too.
Utilising ‘Easy Swap’ technology to flexibly address the diverse demands of customers, a single vehicle chassis can be used to fulfil multiple mobility needs. Behind a fixed cab, or ‘driver zone’, a variety of interchangeable upper bodies, or ‘life modules’, can be connected to the base vehicle via a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology. This swappable tech and modular assembly so a vehicle can be changed easily and quickly from being a van during the week and a taxi at the weekend.
The possibilities are that you will be able to tweak your Kia electric vans once you have bought it, should your business needs change over time.
Modularisation is further made possible thanks to ‘Dynamic Hybrid’ weldless body structure assembly, which enables the length of moveable members to be flexibly adjusted according to vehicle use purpose.
Comprised of high-strength tubular steel and engineered polymers, typical parts are reduced by 55 per cent with no loss in rigidity. Shipped in standardised, convenient kit form, Dynamic Hybrid technology will allow for the quick and simple in-field transformation of a Kia PV5.
