Kia PV5 arrives with 249 miles range and sub-£30k price tag
The Kia PV5 mid-sized van will undercut its nearest rivals by more than £10,000 when it arrives in the UK later this year.
The first van from the South Korean brand was showcased at the brand’s EV Day event in Tarragona, Spain, where Kia confirmed that its VW ID.Buzz-rivaling EV will be initially available in Passenger and Cargo variants.
A Chassis Cab, Crew Cab, ‘Light Camper’, Freezer Box, Drop Side, and WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) capable of supporting up to 300 kilograms of load are set to join the PV5 line-up at a later date.
Early versions of the van will go on sale in the second half of 2025 and Kia has indicated a starting price of around £25,000-£30,000 for the Cargo. That makes it significantly cheaper than the Ford E-Transit Custom, VW ID.Buzz or Farizon SV, which start at £45,000, £41,000 and £45,000 respectively.
In both guises, the all-electric van will be available with either a 51.5kWh or 71.2kWh battery, and is based on Kia’s 400-volt electrical architecture. The front-mounted motor on the PV5 will provide 161bhp and 184lb ft worth of torque. According to Kia, both versions of the PV5 will return 249 miles of range, which is less than the ID. Buzz. Kia estimates that the EV will rapid charge from 10-80% in 30 minutes.
An smaller, entry-level 43.3kWh version of the Cargo will also be available, but Kia has been scant on details.
The PV5 adopts the ‘Opposites United’ design language found on the existing Kia EV3, EV9 and the upcoming EV2 and EV4. This includes plenty of chunky black cladding, a boxy, Minecraft-esque appearance, and futuristic LED headlights.
The Kia PV5 Passenger is designed to be an MPV, and separates itself from the utilitarian Cargo model with a lift-up tailgate – as opposed to a split rear door – and more windows. Based on the images provided in the PV5 press release, the Passenger has a 2-3-0 seat configuration for the five seater, plus an innovative 1-2-3 layout for six seats and drivers who value their personal space.
Meanwhile, the Kia PV5 Cargo packs up to 5.1m3 worth of space in the back, and is availale in Standard, Long, and High Roof specs. Standard and Long models have a two-seat configuration, with a third as an option. Further options include a sliding door and a ‘Walk Through’ spec for the High Roof version, as well as an L-Track mounting system.
All Kia PV5 models come with a seven-inch digital driver’s display, and a 12.9-inch infotainment screen running Android Automotive. Kia’s first foray into the world of vans is also built on Kia’s modular GMP.S all-electric ‘skateboard’ platform, which can be fitted with various bodystyles thanks to the South Korean carmaker’s ‘Flexible Body System’.
The Kia PV5 will also be fitted with the brand’s (Vehicle-to-Load) V2L system, which will allow users and passengers to charge external electronic devices via a three-pin plug.
The Kia PV5 will make its UK debut at the Commercial Vehicle show in Birmingham, which begins on April 29. Kia bosses have said that the starting price for the PV5 Cargo will be at around £25,000, while Passenger versions are expected to carry a significant premium.
