The Kia PV5 electric van is the first vehicle from Kia's new Platform Before Vehicle (PBV) brand, unveiled at the 2025 Kia EV Day in Spain on 24 February 2025. Built on the dedicated E-GMP.S skateboard platform, the PV5 is a modular, zero-emission van designed to serve everything from ridesharing and last-mile delivery to specialized fleet operations, with a range of up to 416 km (WLTP) and three battery options spanning 43.3 kWh, 51.5 kWh, and 71.2 kWh. It was awarded the 2026 International Van of the Year, the first Korean vehicle and Asia's first electric van to receive the honor.
What Is the Kia PBV Platform?
PBV stands for Platform Before Vehicle, and it reflects a fundamental shift in how Kia approaches commercial mobility. The E-GMP.S platform underpinning the PV5 is a skateboard architecture with a fixed driver cab at the front and a fully interchangeable rear body section. This means a single PV5 base can support passenger configurations, cargo variants, and chassis cab setups, allowing fleet operators and conversion specialists to tailor the vehicle to their exact requirements. The modular structure spans front, center, and rear zones, enabling reconfiguration without building an entirely new vehicle.
Kia PV5 Specs: Range, Battery Options, and Payload
The PV5 is offered with three battery sizes to match different range and cost requirements. The 43.3 kWh entry pack targets urban fleet operators who prioritize low upfront cost over maximum range. The mid-spec 51.5 kWh option balances daily range with charging flexibility. The top 71.2 kWh pack delivers up to 416 km on the WLTP cycle for the Cargo Long variant, and up to 412 km for the Passenger 5-seater version. DC fast charging brings the battery from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, a critical specification for commercial operators who cannot afford extended downtime. Payload capacity reaches up to 790 kg across variants.
Kia has already confirmed commercial partnerships with Uber, which plans to integrate the PV5 into its fleet as part of its roadmap to all-electric operations by 2040. The flexibility of the PBV platform makes the PV5 relevant not only to large fleet operators but also to individuals seeking a capable electric base for van conversions.
Three Body Variants at Launch
The PV5 launches in three core body styles: Passenger, Cargo, and Chassis Cab. The Passenger variant seats up to five in a clean, forward-looking interior, while the Cargo version prioritizes load volume and payload capacity. The Chassis Cab configuration is aimed at conversion builders and specialist operators who need a blank platform for custom bodywork, whether that means refrigerated transport, accessible mobility solutions, or bespoke commercial builds. Kia has indicated the PV5 is the first of several PBV models planned under this platform, with additional vehicle sizes and configurations expected to follow.
For full specifications and available configurations, visit the official Kia PV5 page or read the first drive review on electrive.com.
Explore Future Mobility Vehicles at TheArsenale
Photo: KIA
The PV5 represents a new category of intelligent, adaptable electric vehicles aimed at reshaping how people and goods move through cities. At TheArsenale, we cover the machines pushing those boundaries. Discover the full range of forward-thinking vehicles in the cars collection at TheArsenale, including concept vehicles and electric builds that share the PV5's vision of cleaner, smarter mobility.
