Kia PV5: Electric people-mover and van revealed in more detail

Kia has finally revealed its upcoming PV5 electric vans inside and out, with today's release showing the full interior design and configuration for the first time.

This latest issue also delivers the first key details of the PV5's electrical package, including battery specs, driving range, power and more.

The PV5's initial appearance as a concept at the Consumer Electronics Show in January 2024 saw it showcased alongside the larger PV7 and the smaller PV1, all revealed as part of Kia's long overdue return to the commercial vehicle market.

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Kia says the PV5 will be available in multiple forms, starting at basic people-mover and cargo van bodies. The latter is shown here in full cargo and half-cargo Crew variants.

Beyond the passenger and cargo variants, Kia plans to introduce specialised conversion options – including a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle and cab-chassis forms.

Kia already has a people mover in the form of the popular Carnival, but where that model is car-based and petrol/diesel-powered family offering, the PV5 will veer closer to Hyundai's Staria and Staria Load twins – but with electric power.

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According to Kia design boss Karim Habib, the PV5's look adheres to Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy.

The goal, he says, is for each 'PV' model to project a solid, futuristic, and capable character.

The PV5 Cargo model shares the geometric design language of the passenger model but incorporates a boxier profile to maximise internal space.

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A key feature of the Cargo variant is its twin side-opening tailgate doors, designed to improve loading and unloading practicality.

The rear design is intended to complement the side lines, creating a solid and modern look, and contributing to the vehicle’s overall load capacity.

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Kia PV5: Electric motor, battery, charging and driving range

Powering the PV5 range is a choice of two Nickel Cobalt Manganese (NCM) battery packs: a 51.5 kWh option for those needing a daily commuter, and a larger 71.2 kWh pack for extended range.

For the cargo version, which is likely to run specific short city routes between regular charging sessions, a 43.3 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery is also available.

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Click for more images of the EV5 Passenger interior

All models are driven by a 120kW/250Nm front-mounted motor, powering the front wheels only. A dual-motor, all-wheel-drive version could debut later, but Kia is yet to confirm plans.

Kia claims a driving range of 400 kilometres on a single charge when the PV5 Passenger is fitted with the 71.2kWh battery. A driving range for the smaller battery is still to be released, and it's unclear for now what sort of passenger and cargo load is factored into that 400km range.

WIth a 400V electrical system, the PV5 claims a 10-80% charge time of 30 minutes.

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Click for more images of the EV5 Cargo / Crew interior

Technology and Connectivity

• 7-inch instrument cluster and 12.9-inch navigation screen.
• Android Automotive OS-based infotainment system and app market.
• Over-the-air (OTA) updates.
• Digital Key 2.0 technology (NFC+BLE+UWB).
• Smartthings pro IOT integration.

Watch for more on the PV5's Australian range to be announced in the months ahead.