Kia has unveiled its new electric minivan, the PV5, signaling a shift in the minivan market. This vehicle will debut at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Exhibition in the UK this April, featuring innovative designs that set it apart from the Carnival and Staria.
Utilizing a dedicated electric vehicle platform, the PV5 maximizes urban mobility and interior space efficiency, making it suitable for various uses, including delivery, transportation, and public services.
Kia’s new strategy, PBV
Kia has announced a new mobility strategy called PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) and positioned the PV5 as its first model.
PBV is a platform that can transform into various forms tailored to customer needs rather than just a simple vehicle. The PV5 will be available in several versions, including a basic panel van, chassis cab, and passenger model. In particular, the chassis cab model can be extensively customized, gaining attention in the logistics and transportation industries.
Optimized for Urban Driving, Maximized Space Utilization
The PV5 measures 15.4 feet long, 6.2 feet wide, and has a wheelbase of 9.8 feet. It is more compact than traditional minivans, making it ideal for urban driving and highly usable in tight parking spaces.
The interior features a flat floor design, typical of electric vehicles, maximizing space efficiency. The layout supports various seating configurations, such as 5-seat or 6-seat versions, and is focused on passenger comfort.
Targeting the Commercial Vehicle Market… Autonomous Model Also in the Works
While the PV5 is a family car, it also targets the commercial vehicle market. It will be available in various configurations, including refrigerated vans and open-bed versions, designed to meet the demands of the logistics and transportation sectors.
Kia plans to introduce the PV5-R RoboTaxi with Level 4 autonomous driving technology. This model, aimed at the unmanned transport and autonomous driving service market, is under development and is targeted for release in 2028.
Price, Release Schedule, and Consumer Reactions
The PV5’s expected price in Korea is around 46 million KRW (35,000 USD). While some consumers express concerns about the cost, Kia plans to enhance reliability by offering an industry-leading 7-year/100,000-mile warranty. Additionally, advanced software technology developed in collaboration with Geotab will be applied to maximize vehicle management efficiency.
Kia is set to begin customer deliveries of the PV5 in the fourth quarter of this year.
