Supporting up to 16 variants, the Kia PV5 is one of the brand’s most versatile commercial models. The South Korean brand’s first dedicated purpose-built vehicle is already on sale in its home market and Europe, and it appears to be under consideration for the U.S. as well.
At the 2026 Busan Mobility Show, Kia introduced three new PV5 models: Prime, Cargo High Roof, and Passenger 7-seater.
However, there were other configurations on display in the Kia PV5 Partners pavilion that caught our attention, especially from a U.S. perspective: a Ben & Jerry’s ice cream truck based on the PV5 Chassis Cab.
Kia, Primo, and Ben & Jerry’s have jointly come up with the concept for this particular PV5 Chassis Cab. The ice cream truck wears Ben & Jerry’s signature blue livery, complete with cloud, hill, cow, and peace-themed graphics, along with the slogan “Peace, Love & Ice Cream” across the front.
The conversion uses a box-style rear body attached behind a two-seat cab. Several panels open upwards and sideways, turning the vehicle into a compact mobile kiosk. The side section includes a serving counter, illuminated menu boards, a freezer/display unit, and bright strip lighting. The idea is to offer a glimpse of the customization possibilities on the PV5 Chassis Cab.
Kia has yet to introduce the PV5 Chassis Cab in South Korea, but it has already revealed its specifications in the UK. The electric purpose-built vehicle measures 4,525 mm (178.1 in.) in length, 1,895 mm (74.6 in.) in width, and 1,899 mm (74.8 in.) in height and has a 2,995 mm (117.9 in.) wheelbase.
Kia offers it in Standard Range and Long Range variants with a payload capacity of 990 kg (2,183 lbs.) and 885 kg (1,951 lbs.), respectively. The PV5 Chassis Cab uses a single, front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 120 hp (Standard Range)/161 hp (Long Range) and 250 Nm (184 lb.-ft.) of torque.
The Standard Range variant features a 51.5 kWh NCM battery pack and can travel 181 miles on a single charge, as per WLTP. The Long Range variant upgrades to a 71.2 kWh NCM battery pack that increases the WLTP range to 247 miles.
The prices of the PV5 Chassis Cab in the UK will be announced later this year. We understand Kia is studying the potential for this version in South Korea as well, targeting a possible launch in 2027.
The company is testing the Cargo and Passenger versions of the PV5 in the U.S., and at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, it showcased a custom taxi configuration with wheelchair access. It has yet to confirm any launch plans for North America, though.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
