Kia unveils design of all-electric PV5 van ahead of February 24 debut
Kia has unveiled the exterior design of its upcoming PV5 van ahead of its official debut on February 24.
The all-electric PV5 is the first vehicle to be based on Kia’s new modular PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) strategy, which has been specifically created to underpin the South Korean manufacturer’s range of software-driven, EV vans for personal and business use.
Customisation is at the heart of the Kia PBV range, and the PV5 will be available in three configurations including a Cargo Van optimised for freight work, and a Passenger Van for passenger transport.
The PV5 Passenger has a large glass area and a geometric design reflective of the brand’s EV9 flagship SUV. Black wheel arch claddings and runners provide continuity with Kia’s SUV lineup, while the black accents on the main headlight continue with the van’s overall contemporary appearance. As well as what appear to be – unconfirmed – suicide doors, the PV5 gets a single lift-up tailgate.
The PV5 Cargo Van adopts the similar, futuristic silhouette as its passenger-carrying sibling, but in a more utilitarian form. The rear seats and windows have been dropped in favour of additional loading space and a panel van appearance. The Cargo Van also gets sliding side doors, and double rear doors to facilitate loading.
February 24 marks Kia EV Day, which will place in Tarragona, Spain. The event will unveil the wider PV5 range and available conversion options, plus Kia’s PBV plans.
Kia is not the only manufacturer to branch out into modular platform vans. Renault bring three modular cargo vans to market in 2026 – the Trafic E-Tech, the Goelette E-Tech, and the Estafette E-Tech.
The Trafic has been around since 1980. This latest, fourth-generation vehicle is the largest of the three EV vans. The Trafic features an extended wheelbase and wheels positioned at the chassis’ corners to maximise interior/loading space. It has the same 10.42 metre turning circle as the latest Renault Clio, while its sub-1.90 metre height means it can easily be parked in tight spaces.
The Goelette is another name from the French manufacturer’s back catalogue. The original was produced from 1956 to 1966. Like its predecessor, the Goelette is aimed at fleet buyers or small business owners, and its rear section was designed without any specific equipment – as such, it can be configured as a chassis cab, a box, or a tipper.
Like the Trafic and the Goelette, the Estafette is another historic Renault nameplate, and was used from 1959 to 1980. This latest Estafette is a compact van measuring just 5.27 metres long, 1.92 metres wide, and 2.6 metres high. As well as a three-piece panoramic windscreen, the Estafette has a sliding door with an integrated track for use in restricted spots.
Despite their nods to Renault’s past, the Trafic, and Goelette, and the Estafette are thoroughly modern EVs. Each one is built on Flexis’ modular 800V ‘skateboard’ platform. The platform’s fast-charging batteries allow for an 80% top up in around 20 minutes, and will return a range of around 280 miles.
