Image: KiaThe first batch of the PV5 arrived at Mikawa Port in Toyohashi (Aichi Prefecture), Japan in April, consisting of 34 units. Kia manufactures the mid-size EV at a dedicated PBV facility in Hwaseong (Gyeonggi Province), South Korea. The company has reserved an annual production capacity of 100,000 units specifically for the PV5.Kia has appointed Sojitz Corporation as its local importer and distributor, which will market its PBVs under a new wholly owned subsidiary, Kia PBV Japan. The local partner will launch the PV5 in two versions: Passenger and Cargo. Kia showcased both versions in Japan for the first time at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show, along with the WAV (wheelchair-accessible vehicle) version and the Spielraum Glow cabin concept co-developed with LG Electronics.Kia PBV Japan plans to launch the PV5 Passenger only in the standard body variant, which measures 4.695 m in length, 1.895 m in width, and 1.900 m in height, has a 2.995 m wheelbase, and accommodates five people. The company will offer a choice of two electric powertrain configurations: one with an 89 kW/250 Nm motor and a 51.5 kWh NCM battery pack, and another with a 120 kW/250 Nm motor and a 71.2 kWh NCM battery pack. The former delivers a range of 377 kilometres, while the latter offers up to 521 kilometres on a single charge, both according to the WLTC standard.Japan will also receive the PV5 Cargo only in the standard body variant, which has the same dimensions as the Passenger version. Its cargo area measures 2.255 m in length, 1.565 m in width (above the wheel arches), and 1,520 mm in height, along with a step-in height of 41.9 cm. It offers 4,420 litres of cargo volume, enough to fit two Euro pallets.PV5 Cargo customers will be able to choose from three electric powertrain configurations: a 110.8 kW/250 Nm motor paired with a 43.3 kWh LFP battery pack, an 89 kW/250 Nm motor combined with a 51.5 kWh NCM battery pack, and a 120 kW/250 Nm motor matched with a 71.2 kWh NCM battery pack. The versions with the 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh battery packs deliver a WLTC range of 379 kilometres and 528 kilometres, respectively, and offer a maximum payload capacity of 700 kg and 600 kg, respectively.In related news, Kia has received a strong response for the PV5 in the UK. Paul Philpott, the managing director of the company’s local subsidiary, said demand had been surprising, with sales surpassing expectations, Auto Express reported. Since its launch in late 2025, Kia has delivered approximately 3,750 units, including more than 1,000 passenger versions and around 2,750 cargo versions.kia.com, pref.aichi.jp (both in Japanese)
