Kia Previews PV5 Electric Van Design
Kia offered a sneak peek at the exterior design of its upcoming PV5 electric van, set to enter production later this year. The PV5 will be showcased in basic passenger and cargo versions, with additional variants and conversion options to be unveiled at the 2025 Kia EV Day event in Tarragona, Spain, on Feb. 24. At the same event, Kia will also reveal its EV4 sedan and hatchback models.
The PV5 is part of Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBV) initiative, which includes a range of flexible electric vans for commercial use. These vans were first showcased as concepts at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and have retained much of their original styling in the production PV5 models.
Both the passenger and cargo versions of the PV5 feature distinctive headlights, a cab-forward profile, and angular wheel arches with SUV-like cladding. Kia will reveal the interiors and discuss potential versions, such as the PV5 WKNDR camper van concept, at the upcoming EV Day event.
The PV5 is expected to offer a unique approach to electric vehicle engineering, with interchangeable upper bodies that can be attached to the chassis using magnetic couplings. This innovation allows the same vehicle to be used for different purposes, adding versatility to the PV5 lineup.
Kia has established a dedicated factory for its PBV business in South Korea, with production scheduled to begin later this year. The PV5 will initially be launched in South Korea and Europe, with the U.S. market still under evaluation, according to Kia America vice president Russell Wager.