Kia unveils first look at its new PV5: This is the electric van we’ve been waiting for
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.
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.
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Rivian issued a recall for over 17,000 vehicles on Friday due to a headlight issue that only occurs in cold weather. The recall impacts certain 2025 R1S SUV and R1T electric pickup models. Luckily, it should be an easy fix.
Rivian issues a recall for 2025 R1S and R1T vehicles
In a letter sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Rivian said it planned to recall 17,260 R1S and R1T vehicles.
The safety notice comes after the company found the headlights on certain 2025 models did not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, “Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment.”
In cold weather, the headlight low beams might not illuminate once the vehicle is started. A message on the driver display will pop up, saying, “Low beam lights not working.” The issue only occurred in colder climates.
Rivian said it’s unaware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities related to the recall. The 2025 R1S and R1T models were built with incorrectly figured parts from its supplier between April 29, 2024, and February 03, 2025.
For those impacted, Rivian will replace the headlight control module free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed out on March 28, 2025.
If you have questions, you can contact Rivian’s customer service at 1-888-748-4261. Rivian’s recall number is FSAM-1612. You can also contact the NHTSA hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit NHTSA.gov for more information.
The recall comes after Rivian posted its first positive gross profit in the fourth quarter, a big milestone as the EV maker aims to hit its next growth stage.
Rivian delivered 51,579 vehicles in 2024, but as it prepares to introduce its mass-market R2 electric SUV, the company expects a slight dip in 2025, forecasting between 46,000 and 51,000. A big part of this is due to plans to retool its Normal, IL manufacturing plant to prepare for the R2, which will launch in the first half of 2026. The midsize electric SUV will start at around $45,000, or almost half the R1S ($77,700) and R1T ($71,700).
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Super73, a leading e-bike manufacturer based in Irvine, California famous for its moped-style electric bikes, has issued a recall for two of its popular models.
The recall covers approximately 1,400 units of its model year 2024 Z Miami SE and Z Adventure Core electric bicycles. At the heart of the recall is an issue with the braking system.
Specifically, the retaining pin within the disc brake calipers may loosen and detach, potentially leading to brake failure and increasing the risk of crashes and injuries.
According to a recall notice posted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the recall covers the Z Miami SE in Bandit Black (black seat), Palladium Gray (camel seat), and Astro Orange (black seat), as well as the Z Adventure Core in Sandstorm, featuring a black and brown frame.
Super73 has confirmed that the affected e-bikes were sold between April 2024 and September 2024 at Super73’s Irvine store, various bicycle retailers nationwide, and online.
According to the company, Super73 has received 21 reports concerning loose retaining pins or associated brake failures, with one incident resulting in a minor injury.
Owners of the recalled models are advised to immediately cease using the e-bikes and contact Super73 for a complimentary repair kit. The company is providing a new retaining pin and will reimburse up to $50 for professional installation services. To obtain reimbursement, consumers should submit their installation receipts to Super73. The company is proactively reaching out to all known purchasers.
Customers seeking information on the recall can reach Super73 by phone at 888-841-3584 from Monday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, or by email safety@super73.com. They can also visit a recall-related web page set up by the company.
These types of recalls are not uncommon in the e-bike industry, as manufacturers continue to refine designs and address safety concerns. Additionally, because most bicycle components are not built by the electric bike makers themselves, issues in systems such as brakes and wheels are usually related to the subcomponent manufacturers and can affect many bicycle companies downstream in the supply chain.
Similar examples of recalls in the industry include Rad Power Bikes’ 2022 recall of nearly 30,000 RadWagon 4 cargo e-bikes due to the bike’s tires, and the 2023 recall of some 45,000 Lectric XP 3.0 e-bikes over brake failure risks linked to faulty calipers.
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Japan reportedly plans to try to convince Tesla to invest in Nissan after the merger with Honda fell through.
Do you think it makes sense?
Shortly after being announced, Nissan and Honda’s planned merger quickly fell apart earlier this month.
The problem appears to be that Nissan expected a merger while Honda was looking for a takeover of its fellow Japanese automaker.
Now, it looks like Nissan has exhausted its potential lifelines in Japan and it is starting to explore potential partners outside of the country.
The Financial Times has revealed that a group has been put together to approach Tesla for a potential investment in Nissan:
A high-level Japanese group that includes a former prime minister has drawn up plans for Elon Musk’s Tesla to invest in the struggling carmaker Nissan, following the collapse of its merger talks with rival Honda.
The group includes Hiro Mizuno, a former Tesla board member, and ex-premier Yoshihide Suga.
FT’s report claims that the group believes Tesla is interested in buying Nissan’s factories in the US:
The group is hopeful Tesla will become a strategic investor since they believe the world’s largest pure electric-vehicle maker is keen to acquire Nissan’s plants in the US, according to the people. The factories would help it boost domestic manufacturing in response to Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
Tesla has greatly slowed down its plans for new car factories over the last few years as sales have gone down and its current factories are not operating at full capacity.
Electrek’s Take
At this time, it’s unclear if this report should be taken seriously. Japan seems to be panicking a bit because it doesn’t want Nissan to fall into the ends of China as Foxconn has shown interest in taking a stake.
Tesla doesn’t need Nissan’s factories and it has made clear that it prefers to build its own than take over existing factory since its takeover of Fremon factory from Toyota and GM, and that was back in 2010.
I am sure Tesla will hear them out since Mizuno is involved, but I doubt this will go much further than that.
What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.
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