Kia’s PV5 is the first to use Hyundai ‘Pleos’ software as orders open in Korea at $35,000

Kia’s first electric van is finally here. Although it appears to be from the future, the PV5 boasts impressive interior space, a long driving range, advanced technology, and a range of features. It’s offered in a variety of different configurations, including an upcoming refrigerated truck, a light camper, and a luxury “Prime” model. With orders opening in Korea this week, we are learning a little more about what to expect from the Kia PV5 before it rolls out globally.

Kia opens PV5 orders, reveals range and prices in Korea

The PV5 marks the launch of Kia’s “game-changing” Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business, unveiled at CES 2024.

Based on Hyundai’s new E-GMP.S EV platform, the electric van can be custom-tailored for different uses. The first two models, the PV5 Passenger and Cargo, are designed for personal and business use. You can take it camping, use it as a daily driver, load it with cargo for delivery, and much more.

The Passenger model is available in five-seater or 2-3-0 configurations, while the Cargo is offered in three different variations, depending on the amount of space or load capacity required.

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With a wheelbase of 2,995 mm, Kia’s electric van (Passenger) is about the same size as the European-spec Volkswagen ID.Buzz (2,998 mm).

For the first time, the rear seats of the five-seater models feature a new “fold & dive” function, providing up to 2,310 liters of space.

Powered by a 71.2 kWh battery, Kia’s passenger electric van offers a range of up to 358 km (222 miles). The Cargo version is available with either a 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh battery pack, providing a range of 280 km (174 miles) and 377 km (234 miles), respectively.

Using a 350 kW charger, the PV5 (Passenger and Cargo models) can recharge from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes.

The interior is equipped with Hyundai’s new tech and software, including “Pleos Fleet.” The PV5 electric van will be the first to feature the new vehicle control software, promising to cut business costs while improving efficiency.

Hyundai Motor Group and 42dot have developed a new end-to-end software platform that integrates everything from the infotainment system to the vehicle’s operating system and the cloud, enabling seamless connectivity.

The new software stack will also be used in Hyundai’s upcoming “Pleos” brand, starting in Q2 2026. By 2030, Hyundai Motor, including Kia and Genesis, plans to launch over 20 million vehicles with the next-gen OS.

Kia’s electric van also features a 12.9″ navigation screen at the center with a “PBV-exclusive” Android Auto-based OS (AAOS) infotainment system.

The new split-screen display enables you to use navigation, music, and other apps simultaneously. As one of the first Hyundai Motor vehicles with an App Market, you can also now choose from a number of third-party apps to install.

Kia is opening PV5 orders in Korea on Tuesday, June 10, starting at 47.08 million won ($34,700). That’s for the Basic and Plus Models, before the electric vehicle tax credit. With the EV tax credit and government subsidies, Kia expects the Passenger van can be purchased in the “mid to late 30 million won range,” or about $25,000 to $30,000

The Standard and Basic Cargo models start at 42 million won ($31,000), while the Long Range Cargo variants cost 44.7 million won ($33,000). With subsidies, Kia expects the Cargo variant will be available for as low as the “mid to late 20 million won range,” depending on the region.

Kia plans to launch several more variants shortly, including a chassis cab, open bed, light camper, luxury “prime” passenger, refrigerated truck, and sliding truck models.

The Korean launch follows Kia opening PV5 orders in the UK on May 1, starting at £32,995 ($44,000). It’s also available in Passenger and Cargo models with various configurations.