It is by drawing inspiration from the PV5 concept car that the Kia brand will create its first electric utility vehicle/minivan. This model, which is still very camouflaged, gives little indication of its style and even less on its technical sheet. However, we can determine some of its characteristics based on data from the concept car.
The Kia PV5 concept car was presented at the Hanover Motor Show in September 2024, then it came to the Paris Motor Show the following month. This model, which measures 4.70 m long, will be available in different body types: van, chassis cab, deep cabin and five or six seat MPV. It will also be available in two lengths and two heights.
It is difficult with the camouflage to realize what the future electric utility vehicle (which will be available as an MPV) from the Kia brand will be. But with this official illustration (below) you have a nice overview of the future production model.
New factory and investment of more than 3 billion euros
With this model Kia is targeting the Volkswagen ID.Buzz but also the Renault Kangoo E-Tech Electric, Citroën ë-Berlingo, Peugeot E-Partner, etc. Whether in the form of a utility vehicle or an MPV, this model is part of the Korean manufacturer’s PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) range and will leave the factory created especially for it in South Korea in Hwaseong. A factory which benefits from an innovative manufacturing process with real production flexibility, and greater customization of different types of product. The factory and the new manufacturing process required an investment of more than three billion euros from Kia.
Ultra-connected, the PV5 is the utility of the 21st century
The autonomy of this electric model is announced for more than 200 km, recharging will be done with an on-board charger of 22 kW in alternating current and up to 150 kW on fast charging terminals (DC). On these terminals, charging from 10 to 80% will be done in less than 30 minutes. Very modern, the future Kia PV5 will have an AI-driven voice assistant, remote software updating (OTA) and predictive maintenance.
Able to change bodywork with the Easy Swap system
If the prototype of the future Kia PV5 is still very camouflaged, the production model should be presented towards the end of the summer. This model is only the first member of a range of three models, which will consist of a Kia PV7 with a Renault Trafic size and a much smaller PV1 (but not necessarily planned for Europe) for last mile deliveries. The Kia PV5 and PV7 could also change shape at will, thanks to a system called Easy Swap, these are body modules linked to the chassis by electromagnetic fixings, but this possibility is not for the moment .
