Kia mentions that upcoming models will include box trucks, refrigerated vehicles, wheelchair-accessible options, and even campervan variants of the van.

• The Kia PV5 is a fully electric, adaptable electric van, set to be available soon in crew van, box van, refrigerated truck, and camper versions.
• It features a 161-horsepower engine and can travel up to 248 miles on a full charge.
• Kia has not dismissed the possibility of a model for the U.S. market, but the tariffs imposed in the United States can drive up the cost significantly when importing commercial vehicles manufactured outside of North America.

Kia’s 2025 EV Day didn’t just focus on passenger cars; it also highlighted small commercial vehicles. The event unveiled the production model of the PV5, marking the beginning of an extensive range of PBV (Platform-Based Vehicles) trucks and vans that Kia plans to introduce.

The PV5 will initially be available in three main body types: Passenger, Cargo, and Chassis Cab. These options allow various customers to customize their vehicles according to their requirements due to the PBV’s flexible design. Every PBV will use the E-GMP.S platform, which is an adapted form of the architecture found in other models.
Kia’s
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The construction of the PV5 and its future variants will take place in a specialized facility, and the manufacturing process is quite intriguing. Kia has implemented what they call the Flexible Body System, allowing customers to customize precisely how their PV5s are assembled. According to the company, this system resembles putting together a jigsaw puzzle, potentially resulting in highly personalized vehicles. Additionally, Kia collaborated with seasoned experts from the commercial vehicle sector to offer various configurations for the rear sections of PV5s—such as crew cabs, drop sides, large boxes, refrigerated units, among others. They also suggest that one might transform a PV5 into a ‘compact campervan.’
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What do the various PV5 models look like? The passenger variant features a three-row seating arrangement along with a lift-up rear door. It can accommodate up to eight individuals arranged in a 2-3-3 configuration. However, you can also fold down the seats to provide extra room for both yourself and your passengers.

The PV5 Cargo models are designed to serve as the backbone of the series. They offer three variants: Standard, Long, and High-Roof. Among these, the High-Roof variant can also feature a Walk-Through option, complete with a standard roof console. This model provides an impressive maximum cargo capacity of up to 180 cubic feet, with a rear opening height of 16.5 inches (419 mm). As such, you’ll have ample space for loading various items into the vehicle’s compartment.

The optional L-track mounting system ought to simplify the process of securing items, ensuring everything stays in place during transit. Additionally, having a vehicle-to-load (V2L) electrical outlet within the cargo space will be beneficial for providing power on-the-go. Furthermore, Kia has integrated various data collection features which allow fleet operators to perform predictive upkeep, monitor servicing timelines, among others. This feature also supports remote updates via wireless technology, eliminating the necessity for halting operations just to update the software manually—no more waiting around as someone plugs in a USB drive and tinkers with the programming.

For those seeking expandability with a PV5, the Chassis Cab model is ideal. This option features the same cabin as the Cargo version but lacks anything at the rear. Instead, you have the freedom to attach whatever you desire behind—tailoring it uniquely to fit your business needs.

Additional versions will soon be available. The Crew represents Kia’s exclusive internal customization model featuring specifications that could formerly only be attained through outside tuners. Models such as Drop Side, Box Van, and Freezer Box are also heading our way. According to Kia, even more choices are planned for the future, which suggests that an electric #Vanlyfe setup might not be far off, possibly within just a few years.

However, there is already another specialized vehicle available on the platform. The Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), known as a PV5, has a particular function: ensuring wheelchair access. Unlike bulky modifications found elsewhere, this model was conceived specifically for individuals using wheelchairs right from the design phase. This WAV features a ramp capable of supporting up to 661 lbs, which extends smoothly onto the sidewalk—a feature rarely seen among rivals.
Inside, the cabin includes a versatile wheelchair restraint system that secures passengers safely in the second-row seating area, enabling them to stay near the front. Meanwhile, their companions have space to sit comfortably in the third row.

If you’ve driven a Kia passenger car before, you’ll notice many similarities in the interior design of the PV5 series. The cabin features physical buttons, touchscreen displays, and conventional controls. However, as this is a modular vehicle, users can customize their space more easily compared to traditional cars. This offers ample opportunities for upfitters to get creative.

When it comes to customizing the PV5, there’s additional value specifically tailored for commercial clients. This includes a 7-inch digital instrument cluster paired with a 12.9-inch navigation touchscreen. These features enable fleet operators to integrate essential applications via Android Automotive, keeping track of vehicle activities effortlessly.
Collaborating with Samsung through their IoT platform called SmartThings Pro, Kia aims to provide PVB customers with a seamless connection between them and their PV5s. Through this integration, owners can manage and oversee various smart technologies such as HVAC systems, signage solutions, household gadgets, and numerous other intelligent workplace and domestic devices.
To elevate the overall user experience, Kia has launched AddGear—a customizable array of add-ons designed to optimize functionality according to individual preferences. Available in several appealing color options along with sustainable eco-material choices, these accessories ensure both convenience and environmental consciousness.

The PV5 will be equipped with a 161-horsepower engine delivering 184 lb-ft of torque, which receives power from one of three available batteries. For cargo models, customers have the option between a 43.3-kilowatt-hour lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery or two choices for the lithium nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) pack: either a 51.5 or a 71.2 kilowatt-hours variant. Other variants within the lineup are limited to choosing among just these larger-capacity NMC units. On the WLTP test cycle, this vehicle has an upper limit of 248 miles per charge; using an appropriate charging station, it can achieve a state-of-charge increase from 10% to 80% in about half an hour.

Sales for the PV5 will commence in South Korea and Europe during late 2025, with additional markets opening up in 2026. However, the United States seems less likely to be one of these markets due to theChicken Tax, which enforces a substantial 25% tariff on commercially manufactured vehicles produced outside of North America. This tax effectively prevents most non-North American made commercial trucks such as the Korea-assembled PV5 from entering the U.S. market.

At EV Day, Kia’s President and CEO, Ho Sung Song, addressed the possibility of introducing a version of the PV5 to the market sometime in the future, emphasizing their intention to explore various opportunities as they arise. It’s clear that Kia isn’t halting its electric vehicle initiatives anytime soon. Up next are the PV7 and PV9 models set to launch shortly. Additionally, considering that Kia began this series with model “5,” there seems to be ample opportunity for them to introduce more compact variants down the line.

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