Kia just pulled the covers off its new electric van, the PV5, giving us our first look at the futuristic model. The mid-size model is the first in Kia’s upcoming lineup of purpose-built electric vans that’s expected to shake up the growing market. From the first look, the PV5 will rival the Volkswagen ID.Buzz and Ford E-Transit. Check it out below.

Here’s our first look at the Kia PV5 electric van

We first saw the PV5 concept at CES last January after Kia introduced its “game-changing” Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) platform.

The PV5 was showcased alongside the larger PV7 and smaller PV1 models. Unlike Ford’s E-Transit, Kia’s electric van rides on a dedicated EV (PBV) platform. The flexible modular architecture will underpin the entire lineup as part of Kia’s plans to secure a leadership role in the electric van market.

After teasing the production model last week, Kia unveiled the exterior design for the first time on Thursday. The PV5 will be available in several configurations, including Passenger and Cargo models.

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Kia said it will introduce another model during its upcoming EV Day on February 24. As you can see, Kia went all out with this one.

Like its newest EV models, the PV5 features a bold, almost futuristic-like design. In Kia’s words, the electric van’s “contemporary design transcends traditional light commercial vehicles.”

Massive windows that span the entire Passenger model add to the modern look, but also make it easier to see when driving.

Added black geometric wheel arch claddings and rocker panels give the PV5 a slightly rugged, off-road feel, “confidently linking the high-tech upper cabin with the more rugged and purposeful lower body.”

Although the Cargo model has a similar design, the boxy profile enables more interior space for delivery and other business uses (and don’t forget the camp lifers). Kia also included twin side-opening tailgate doors, making it easier to load and unload.

Kia will reveal additional info, including powertrain specs, seating setups, and more, during its EV Day next week. The event will be held in Tarragona, Spain, on February 24. Official details will be released on February 27. Check back next week for more on the Kia PV5.

At the event, Kia will also introduce the EV4 electric sedan and hatchback models alongside a smaller, more affordable EV2 concept.

With its official debut coming up, the PV5 was spotted testing in the US this week (check them out here). Images and a video sent to Electrek by Alex Nguyen reveal a Volkswagen ID.Buzz-like design.

Kia’s PV5 Cargo Compact concept, the most basic model, is 177.2″ long, 74.8″ wide, and 74.8″ tall. However, that’s the “Compact” model. The regular Passenger and Cargo variants will be bigger. To give you a comparison, the US-spec ID.Buzz (LWB) is 195.4″ long, 78.1″ wide, and 76.2″ tall, while Ford’s E-Transit is 237.6″ long, 81.3″ wide, and 83.9″ tall.

What do you think of Kia’s mid-size electric van? Do you like the look better than the ID.Buzz or E-Transit? Let us know in the comments below.

Cowboy, the Brussels, Belgium-based electric bicycle maker famous for its modern take on classic European-cycling designs, is nearshoring its production to speed up delivery times.

Moving its e-bike production out of Asia, Cowboy is instead bringing its assembly back home—or at least pretty darn close to home.

Cowboy has teamed up with the France-based company ReCycles, “a renowned French manufacturer with over 30 years of experience producing for brands like Peugeot, to assemble its bikes in Romilly-sur-Seine.”

The move is intended to cut down on the time it takes to deliver electric bicycles to its customers, explained Cowboy’s CEO and Co-founder Adrien Roose.

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“Bringing our assembly to France marks a significant turning point for Cowboy. This move strengthens our commitment to quality while allowing us to scale efficiently to meet demand. By working with a manufacturer that combines decades of expertise with a vision for the future, we’re not only improving production but also reinforcing France’s role in the evolution of e-bike innovation. As we ramp up production, availability for our bikes continues to grow, and once we reach full capacity, bikes will be delivered within days—getting more riders in the saddle faster than ever.” 

While many electric bicycle companies struggled with overstock situations over the last few years, Cowboy has long attempted to maintain lean operations, though this has sometimes led to long delivery times and complaints from customers. Thus, the company’s move to reshore manufacturing hopes to address those concerns.

“We acknowledge and apologise for the delays some customers have faced recently, and we have taken decisive action to fix this,” Roose stated in a comment provided to Electrek. “This move proves that Cowboy is building a stronger, more resilient future whilst focusing on our customer experience.”

The move also comes at a time when global trade wars and retaliatory tariffs are back in the news, creating greater uncertainty for e-bikes produced in major manufacturing centers such as China, Taiwan, and other leading Asian producers.

ReCycles looks ready to meet the demand and is said to be investing heavily in the future of French bicycle manufacturing. The company is currently developing a new 25,000 m² (270,000 square feet) production site set to be ready by 2027.

As Gregory Trebaol, CEO of ReCycles, explained:

“We are thrilled to assemble Cowboy bikes in France. Cowboy is the world’s most advanced e-bike, combining cutting-edge technology with sleek design and a seamless riding experience. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to quality, innovation, and making Europe a global hub for the cycling industry.”

A Tesla store in Oregon was attacked with arson and gunshots on two separate occasions. The FBI got involved, which is the second time federal law enforcement intervened in incidents at Tesla stores.

Earlier this month, we reported on a ramp-up in incidents of vandalism at Tesla stores around the world with the goal of protesting Elon Musk.

We reported on a particular incident in Colorado where a Tesla store was vandalized, and arson was attempted at the premises. Interestingly, despite not being a federal crime, the FBI got involved.

Now, we hear of another severe vandalism example at a Tesla store, and again, the FBI is getting involved.

This time, it happened in Salem, Oregon.

Tesla’s store in Salem was the victim of vandalism last month when windows were broken and a car set on fire. Yesterday, the store was attacked again, and this time, shots were fired at the store.

It was early in the morning, and no one was there, but windows were broken again.

Salem police were there all morning on Wednesday to investigate the situation, and the FBI was also helping them.

The local news asked the police why the FBI was involved:

She declined to specify why the FBI was helping investigate the shooting. “The FBI’s standard practice is to assist local agencies with their expertise or tools, for example, if it can benefit an investigation,” she said.

The police couldn’t say if the two incidents at the Tesla store over the last month were politically motivated.

In addition to the vandalism attacks at Tesla stores, peaceful protests have also targeted the automaker’s retail and service locations.

Electrek’s Take

It’s absolutely insane to see this happening. Just a few years ago, Tesla was an adored brand hated by only a few petrolheads resisting the electric transition and those who bought into fossil fuel propaganda.

Now, it is despised to the point that some people are willing to commit crimes to show their hatred for the brand.

Obviously, this is not good. People should be arrested for shooting guns at stores, but it is a symptom of a bigger problem with Tesla’s brand: it is too closely attached to Elon Musk who is seen by many people as doing a takeover of the US government.

This vandalism is likely going to be nothing compared to the drop in sales Tesla is going to see this quarter. That’s on top of many people selling their Tesla vehicles resulting in lower resale value in the used market.

But Tesla’s board and shareholders are not doing anything because the stock is still up as they continue to believe the self-driving dream is about to become reality.