• Kia brings three different versions of its PV5 van concepts and the larger PV7 concept to IAA 2024 in Germany.
• The automaker wants to begin sales of these electric vans in Europe starting with the PV5 in the summer of 2025.
• Already making waves for its consumer EVs, Kia wants to bring its electric success to the commercial world too. 

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Kia has grown and evolved considerably over the last decade, and it’s aiming ever higher now with ambitions to take a part of the light commercial vehicle segment in Europe. The manufacturer brought its PV5 and PV7 concept vans to the 2024 IAA Transportation trade fair in Germany to showcase their design and features like over-the-air updates and a fleet management solution.

These electric vans are part of Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) approach, encompassing both vehicles and fleet management software developed with Ontario-based telematics specialist Geotab. We first saw the concepts at the beginning of this year at CES. 

Four concepts were brought to the event held in Hanover: the PV5 concept, PV5 People Mover concept, PV5 High Roof concept and the PV7 concept. All of them are previews of electric vans that Kia plans to launch in the summer of 2025. Kia also previously showed a smaller PV1 van concept, but it wasn’t brought to Germany.

“As Kia PBVs will be the most technologically advanced [light commercial vehicles] available, we want to enhance every aspect of the customer experience through advanced connectivity,” said Marc Hedrich, President of Kia in Europe. “This extends to having flexible data solutions that enable easy integration in multi-brand fleets without the need for additional hardware.”

The first of these electric vans to debut is the PV5, which has already been spotted while testing in Europe with camouflage hiding much of its body. The PV5 is about the same size as a Ford E-Transit Custom (and its sister vehicle from Volkswagen) or a Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo. We currently don’t have many technical details other than the fact that it will be available with either single- or dual-motor powertrains.

Kia

The Kia PBV concepts at the IAA in Hanover

Kia has mentioned that all these electric vans will have bidirectional charging and DC fast charging at up to 150 kilowatts, which is good for 10 to 80% in 30 minutes and suggests a battery capacity of around 80 to 100 kilowatt-hours. They will also offer very quick AC charging capability thanks to their 22 kW on-board chargers.

These vans will also be covered by the same seven-year/150,000 km warranty that Kia offers for all of its vehicles.

They will ride on a dedicated EV architecture specially developed for commercial vehicles, which, based on the announced charging speed, will run on 400 volts, not 800 volts like current passenger cars built on the E-GMP platform.

Kia says they will offer class-leading cargo room for their footprint (although it remains to be seen if they surpass Renault’s upcoming 800-volt electric van), and several different variants for each body style will be offered like a refrigerated van that’s being developed with specialists from the Petit Forestier Group or a version specially designed for parcel delivery.

Regarding the dedicated platform, Marc Hedrich explained “While this approach is not a first for electric passenger cars, it’s certainly the first time we see it for LCV. This is a benchmark moment, and our PBVs are set to deliver better accessibility, higher volumes, and lower running costs, to completely change logistics and mobility.”

Kia’s Futuristic Electric Vans Have Arrived In Europe

Kia Motors, the South Korean automotive giant, has taken a significant step towards sustainable transportation by introducing its futuristic electric vans in Europe. These cutting-edge vehicles promise not only to revolutionize the way we commute but also to contribute to the global effort to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change.

The new electric vans, which are part of Kia’s comprehensive strategy to electrify its entire vehicle lineup by 2026, combine state-of-the-art technology with sleek design and efficient performance. Equipped with powerful electric motors and advanced battery systems, these vans offer a range of up to 300 miles on a single charge, making them ideal for both urban and long-distance travel.

One of the key features of Kia’s electric vans is their fast-charging capability, which allows drivers to recharge their vehicles in a matter of minutes at dedicated charging stations across Europe. This convenient and reliable charging infrastructure, coupled with the vans’ impressive range, makes them a practical and eco-friendly choice for businesses and individuals looking to make the switch to electric vehicles.

In addition to their environmental benefits, Kia’s electric vans also boast a range of smart features and safety technologies that enhance the driving experience and ensure the safety of passengers and pedestrians. From advanced driver assistance systems to intuitive infotainment and connectivity options, these vans are designed to deliver a seamless and enjoyable ride for everyone on board.

With the arrival of Kia’s futuristic electric vans in Europe, the automotive industry is taking a significant step towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future. By offering customers a viable alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, Kia is leading the way in the transition to electric mobility and setting a new standard for innovation and efficiency in the automotive sector.

As the demand for electric vehicles continues to grow, Kia’s commitment to electrification and sustainability positions the company as a leader in the development of cutting-edge transportation solutions that benefit both consumers and the planet. With its futuristic electric vans now available in Europe, Kia is paving the way for a greener and cleaner future for all.