I explored the Kia PV5 Concept, and here’s what’s coming to U.S. dealers

Update: ‘U.S. launch in 2026,’ and ‘Production in S.Korea’ sections revised.

The Kia PV5 is set to be the brand’s first mid-sized, purpose-built vehicle (PBV), launching globally this year. As part of Kia’s PBV business strategy, it was unveiled as a concept during the Consumer Electronics Show 2024 event in Las Vegas alongside two other PBV concepts, the PV7 and PV1.

I got to explore the Kia PV5 Concept at the 2024 Paris Motor Show, and here are my expectations from the production model.

U.S. launch in 2026

The United States is very likely to be the multi-purpose vehicle’s biggest market. I say this because Kia unveiled the concept at CES 2024 in Las Vegas, and at the Work Truck Week in Indianapolis shortly thereafter, making its local intentions clear. In its announcement for the latter, it had this to say:

The PV5 concept was presented at CES in various versions, including Basic, High Roof, Robotaxi and Pickup, with potential for arrival in the US market in 2026.

From Kia America’s announcement on March 1, 2024

The PV5 will be shown in production guise in Birmingham, UK, at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle (CV) Show on April 29. Kia will share details about the first-fully electric van, including specifications and plans for the commercial vehicle market at the show, which will serve as an indirect preview for the U.S. market.

Three Variants

The PV5 will feature interchangeable modules, enabling the vehicle to be customized for various functions such as parcel deliveries, ridesharing, or personal use for an excursion. A hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology is used to attach the required module to the vehicle.

Kia has confirmed plans to offer Basic (Passenger), Van (Delivery), and Chassis Cab variants of the PV5 when it hits the market this year. For the UK, it has confirmed plans to offer a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.

Designed/Styled like the PV5 Concept

Source: CarSpyMedia/Youtube

The PV5 Concept’s exterior is a realistic preview of what the production version of the electric van would look like. Recently, Carspymedia captured a test prototype at a fast-charging station, and the design of key elements like the pillars, glass panels, lights, and doors closely mirrors the concept which I explored in Paris. However, the same can’t be said for the interior, as Kia’s concept vehicles often feature hyper-futuristic cabins that don’t make it to production.

Usual Kia goodies

I’m expecting Kia to offer the passenger application of the PV5 in 5-seat and 6-seat configurations. As previewed in the concept, I’m certain that the production van will get Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) that lets drivers charge other EVs or electrical appliances, Digital Key 2.0 which turns the smartphone into the vehicle’s key, enabling it to be shared among family or colleagues, and Over-the-Air (OTA) updates to keep the Kia ccNC infotainment system running smoothly are also certain.

Dedicated Platform

The PV5 is built on Kia’s electric vehicle (EV) platform, which maximizes interior space by utilizing an extended wheelbase, and pushing the pillars to the corners. I’m expecting a 400V electrical architecture for the smaller vehicles including the PV5, while an 800V system could be reserved for high-spec PBVs like the PV7 where the vehicle requires a larger battery pack.

Robotaxi variant

Kia has partnered with Motional, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv, to develop a robotaxi version of the PV5 (PV5-R). The robotaxi will incorporate advanced autonomous driving technologies, supporting the brand’s efforts to offer a self-driving, ridesharing solution in the future.

Production in S.Korea

Kia plans to begin production of the PV5 and other PBVs in the second half of 2025 at its purpose-built factory in Hwaseong, South Korea. The factory is expected to produce 150,000 units annually, with plans for future expansion to support larger PBV offerings. This facility will be Kia’s first dedicated plant for PBVs and the first in South Korea to focus exclusively on electric vehicles.

We’re fairly certain that Kia will plan exclusive dealerships and service points in the United States for its business vans, and will not sell it alongside its passenger cars.

EUR 35,000 pricing

While U.S. pricing plans are still unannounced, the company has said that it is targeting a price of 35,000 Euros for the PV5 in Europe.

Minivan or Van?

Having seen the product up close and learned about its features and other attributes, the PV5 is not an electric minivan or an electric van, for it tries to find a middle ground between these two categories. Here in the U.S., we expect the PV5 and PV7 to find appeal among customers who are considering the VW ID. Buzz, Mercedes V-Class Electric, and the Ford E-Transit, though these models aren’t strictly its competitors.