Kia has unveiled its new PV7 van promising up to 285 miles of range and greater flexibility as it expands its van line-up.
At up to 5.3m long and 1.99m tall, the PV7 is 70cm longer, 10cm wider and 7cm taller than Kia’s first all-electric van, the PV5., and is set to go head-to-head with the likes of the Ford E-Transit Custom and Renault Trafic.
The Korean brand says the larger vehicle, which will come with two- and four-wheel-drive powertrains, allows it to offer more applications to a wider range of business buyers.
Like the PV5, the PV7 will come in Cargo and Passenger versions. The range will eventually incorporate 23 variants including long- and short-wheelbase versions and a high-roof cargo option. It is also expected to include wheelchair accessible versions and chassis cab variants to allow a wide range of conversion models.
The PV7 is due to go on sale in Korea and Europe in 2027 and will initially come in front-wheel-drive guise with up to 272bhp and 310lb ft, depending on market and configuration. Customers will be able to choose from a 71.5kWh or 96.2kWh battery offering up to 285 miles of range.
Full charging details are still to be confirmed but the PV7 is based on 800V architecture and Kia says ultra-rapid charging will allow a 10-80% top-up in the “mid-20-minute” range. The PV7 will also feature the option of dual charging ports for more flexible charging access, and vehicle-to-load functionality to power tools and accessories from the drive battery.
The Kia PV7 Cargo will come in two- and three-seat cab configurations with an emphasis on practical cabin features designed for users who enter and exit the vehicle multiple times a day and who use it as a workspace.
The Cargo Long model offers up to 6.1m³ of cargo space, while the high roof variant provides up to 8.0m³. Maximum payload capacity is rated at up to 1,165kg for the Long and up to 1,200kg for the Compact variant, and a heavy load driving mode adapts performance to varying payload conditions. The Long model features a 550mm loading height and capacity for up to three Euro pallets.
The PV7 Passenger builds on the foundations of the PV5 passenger, which offers five- or seven-seat options. Designed for crew transport and shuttle services, the PV7 will offer up to nine seats in global markets and 11 in its native Korea. Nine-seat versions will come in three- or four-row configurations while the seven-seat option is equipped with “Long-Rail Easy Remove Seats”, which allow for front- or rear-facing configurations.
Cargo and Passenger versions feature 12.9-inch and 14.6-inch displays running an Android-based operating system and incorporating navigation, media and connected services.
Kia will also offer its fleet Business Solutions Portal fleet management system and “Uptime” systems which aims to reduce time lost to maintenance needs by using real-time monitoring to deliver predictive diagnostics and proactive maintenance management.
Kia PV7 pricing and specification has yet to be announced, but as with the PV5, we’d expect it to be keenly priced to compete with the likes of the Ford E-Transit Custom and Renault Trafic.
