Kia’s electric purpose-built vehicle (PBV), the PV5, has been spotted on U.S. public roads for the first time. This road test appears to be part of Kia’s strategy to enter the local PBV market, including last-mile delivery services, ahead of its global debut later this month.
Industry sources reported on Tuesday that Kia recently conducted PV5 road tests in the U.S. Overseas automotive reviewer Kindel Auto captured the vehicle at an electric vehicle charging station in Indiana. PV5 was seen testing on Korean roads last year, but this marks its first appearance on American soil.
The company seems to be in the final stages of preparing for the PV5’s official global unveiling at the 2025 Kia EV Day event, which is scheduled for next Thursday (February 27) in Tarragona, Spain. Anticipation for the debut has been building since preview images and videos were released last week.
Photos taken by Kindel Auto show the PV5 heavily camouflaged, making it challenging to discern specific design details. Its size appears slightly larger than the competing Volkswagen ID—buzz and comparable to the Ford E-Transit.
The PV5 is Kia’s first brand-exclusive electric van. It was first previewed twice last year, first at CES 2024 in Las Vegas in January and later at the IAA Transportation event in September. Only the exterior was revealed in concept form during the showcases, and powertrain specifications and other technical details were kept secret.
Anticipation for the PV5’s official launch is high, particularly in Europe. Last year, the model was recognized as “One to Watch” at the 2025 What Van? Awards, held at the Hilton London Bankside Hotel.
The What? Van Awards is a prestigious event recognizing outstanding brands and products in various U.K. commercial vehicle industry sectors. A panel of industry experts evaluates entries, and the most promising and innovative models receive the One to Watch award.
Kia plans to introduce fourteen new EV models to its lineup by 2027 as part of its brand electrification strategy. Some of these, including the PV5, will be specialized vehicles designed to meet specific customer needs, such as delivery vans and shuttle buses.
