Kia built an electric van for wheelchair users: Check out the new PV5 WAV

Kia’s first electric van is proving to be even more functional. The new PV5 WAV is specifically designed to be affordable, accessible, and wheelchair-friendly. Meet the new Kia PV5 WAV.

Meet the Kia PV5 WAV electric van

The PV5 is a fully electric midsize van. It’s the first of many from Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business.

Kia promised its PBVs would go “Beyond Mobility,” and the company is proving it. On Tuesday, Kia unveiled the new PV5 WAV, calling it “a new era for wheelchair accessible electric vehicles.”

The PV5 is the perfect electric van for the task. Based on its new E-GMP.S EV platform, it has a flat floor design and extended wheelbase, unlocking more interior space.

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Kia designed the electric van not only for wheelchair users but also for their families, caregivers, and drivers. The PV5 WAV features a custom side-entry system to make it easier to get in and out of. An adjustable third-row seat enables users to assist from the side.

It will also feature a specially developed wheelchair belt fastener and entry ramp that can handle up to 661 lbs (300 kg).

According to Kia, the PV5 will include all necessary equipment for individuals with disabilities, based on the AAOS open software platform.

The new electric van variant will be built alongside other PV5 models at Kia’s Hwaseong EVO Plant in Korea. Kia opened PV5 Passenger pre-orders (shown below) in the UK on May 1, starting at £32,995, or about $44,000. It will launch in Europe and Korea later this year, followed by other global markets in 2026.

Kia’s Passenger electric van is offered with two battery options: 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh, good for up to 179 miles or 249 miles of WLTP driving range.

After partnering with Motability Operations in February, Kia said, “users receiving a disability allowance can choose an affordable and accessible vehicle.”

The PV5 WAV will initially launch in the UK, but Kia plans to expand sales to other global regions. A larger PV7 van will arrive in 2027, followed by the PV9 in 2029. Kia will continue launching new electric variants and use cases. By 2030, the company aims to sell 250,000 electric vans as it taps into a new market.

Last month, at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, Kia and LG Electronics unveiled two new “Speilraum” PV5 electric van concepts for camping and other fun uses. What’s next?