Environment
Kia’s electric van is going full camper mode: Here’s our first look at the PV5 Conversion
The PV5 is not just any van. For one, it’s built for more than just getting from Point A to Point B. With a fully electric, modular design, Kia will offer the PV5 van in Passenger, Cargo, Freezer Box, and even Light Camper variants. The upcoming “PV5 Conversion” was spotted for the first time, hinting it could be here soon.
Kia PV5 electric van will make for the perfect camper
Kia is entering the electric van market full steam ahead. The PV5 is the first of many from Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business.
According to Kia, the electric vans are “total mobility solutions ” that offer way more than your average, with advanced tech and software. All Kia PBVs are based on its advanced new E-GMP.S platform, which has a super flexible design and is built to house many different variants.
On May 1, Kia opened pre-orders for the PV5 Passenger and Cargo models in the UK, starting at £32,995 ($44,000) and £27,645 ($37,000).
The PV5 Passenger is available with two battery pack options: 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh, good for WLTP range of 179 miles and 249 miles, respectively. The Cargo model is offered with the same battery pack options, but is rated with 181 miles or 247 miles range.
Kia’s electric van (PV5 Passenger) is 4,695 mm long, 1,895 mm wide, and 1,899 mm tall, or slightly smaller than the European-spec Volkswagen ID.Buzz.
Much more on the way
The midsize PV5 will launch in other parts of Europe and Korea later this year. Meanwhile, Kia is promising more electric van variants soon, including a light camper.
Kia already offers several PV5 conversions, including service, refrigerated, and wheelchair-accessible (WAV) models, but a new model is coming soon that will offer much more.
The PV5 “Conversion” model was spotted in Korea for the first time. It will be offered in five variants: an open bed (like a truck), top car, prime, light camper, and camper van. The video from ShortsCar gives us a sneak peek at the new variant as it’s being transported on a car carrier.
Last month, Kia revealed two new “Spielraum” PV5 concepts, including one with a refrigerator, microwave oven, and an added wine cellar. And then we got a look at the PV5 “WKNDR,” an “adventure-ready” electric van concept.
Kia plans to launch the production version in the second half of 2026 through a new partnership with LG Electronics.
In its first full year of PBV sales, the company plans to sell 3,000 to 4,000 electric vans. By 2030, Kia aims to sell around 17,000 PBVs annually.
Following the PV5 (and several variants), Kia will launch the larger PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029. The PV5 is built at Kia’s Hwaseong EVO plant in South Korea, which can produce up to 150,000 units per year.
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