Kia reveals 'PV' electric mobility concepts: Ute, cargo vans, taxi

Kia has further detailed its purpose-built vehicle (PBV) strategy for electric mobility cars at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.

Three concepts debuted at the show – the small Concept PV1 city van, the modular Concept PV5, and larger Concept PV7 – ahead of an initial market launch in 2025 for the production version of the mid-size PV5.

While the PV1 and PV7 concepts were displayed as single panel van-like bodies, three versions of the Concept PV5 were unveiled: a people mover, a high-roof commercial van, and a cab-chassis ute. A standard-roof van is also planned.

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Unlike most other commercial vehicles that are built-to-order from factory with a chosen body style, the PV5’s chassis has a fixed “driver zone” that is matched to an interchangeable “life module” attached with mechanical couplings and electromagnetic fixture points.

For example, a passenger life module could be installed to use the vehicle as a taxi, but later swapped to a cargo module to carry goods.

In addition to conversion capability to meet diverse customer needs, it will feature enhanced connectivity between the car and external data, such as route or delivery information, to enable convenient operation of multiple vehicles in a “software-defined fleet”.

The medium-sized Kia PV5 is set to launch in 2025 and will ride on Hyundai-Kia's flexible ‘eS’ flat skateboard electric vehicle platform.

The PV5 will be introduced in ‘phase one’ of the brand’s PBV roadmap, with the PV1 and PV7 to follow in ‘phase two’. 'Phase three' will see the models “evolve into highly customisable, bespoke mobility solutions by integrating with the future mobility ecosystem”, including full self-driving vehicles.

As the smallest product in the PBV line-up, the PV1 is said to be “optimised for agile and short-distance logistics transportation” with a minimised turning radius for narrow spaces.

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The PV7 will be the largest product in the PBV range, likely similar in size to a Mercedes-Benz E-Sprinter and Ford E-Transit, with an aim to deliver “more interior space, greater driving range, and enhanced functionalities”.

“Kia PBVs will initiate a new era of seamless everyday business and lifestyle solutions. We hope to make our customers’ lives easier and better, whether they’re stationary or on the move, offering exceptional flexibility and customisation through radical modularisation,” said Kia design boss Karim Habib.

Kia will construct a new plant for its upcoming range of electric purpose-built vehicles with an initial targeted capacity of 100,000 PBVs per year before annual production eventually grows to 150,000 units.