Kia electric vans to make UK debut at 2025 CV Show
Kia will launch its PV5 electric van in the UK this April at the Commercial Vehicle Show.
The first ever van from the Korean brand is set to spearhead its expansion into the commercial vehicle sphere and will help showcase its future CV strategy at the show.
First revealed at CES 2024, the PV5 is expected to rival key models such as the Ford E-Transit Custom and VW ID Buzz Cargo across various segments.
Kia will reveal key technical details at the CV show in April but we already know that the van is built on a dedicated EV platform and will charge its battery from 10-80% in half an hour at 150kW, hinting at a capacity of around 65kWh. We also know it will come with 22kWh AC capability for depot charging and vehicle-to-load capability.
The PV5 will be available in three main forms; a panel van, a chassis cab and a passenger variant intended for taxi and ride hailing use. All versions will come with a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty and Geotab data logging integration to support fleet use.
Kia UK president and CEO Paul Philpott said: “Our first electric van, the PV5, arrives at an important time for the UK, amid an unprecedented transition towards electric power across both the car and van markets.
“Our strategy is to approach the market confidently but responsibly, launching in a phased and progressive manner to ensure each element of our commercial vehicle business is exacted with the same industry-leading standards we’re known for in the passenger car industry. This will cover dealer sales excellence, customer care, service and experience.”
The PV5 is the first in Kia’s PVB commercial vehicle business, which will eventually include PV3 and PV7 models. Apparently unable to decide exactly what PVB stands for, Kia previously suggested it was an overarching strategy referring to ‘Purpose Built Vehicle’ and ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ – a reference to its all-new EV platform. In the UK, apparently, PVB will also stand for Professional Business Vans – or vans, as they’re more commonly known.
