REVEALED: Kia PV5 Beats The VW ID.Buzz On Range, Customization, And More
After a design reveal a few days ago, the Kia PV5 has been fully revealed in detail, an electric light commercial vehicle and the automaker’s first model in its PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) lineup. Set to rival electric vans like the VW ID. Buzz, the PV5 features a Flexible Body System - a skateboard-style architecture that allows multiple body styles for various uses. Standard configurations are Passenger, Cargo, Chassis-Cab, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), and Family, while conversion models include the Crew, Drop Side, Box Van, Freezer Box, Prime (advanced model based on Passenger), and Light Camper - a configuration that may not even happen for the US-spec ID.Buzz.
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Kia
Kia is a South Korean automaker headquartered in Seoul. It was originally founded in 1944 as a bicycle manufacturer which later built small motorcycles, and Mazda-licensed trucks and cars. After building an assembly plant in th early 70s, the company also produced the Bisa range of cars until 1981 before coming to a half due to the political situation at the time. Production kicked off again in 1986 in partnership with Ford, and in 1992 the company started sellling cars in North America. Today it is the second-largest automaker in South Korea, right behind Hyundai.
The PV5 has compact dimensions - measuring 184.8 inches in length with a 74.6-inch wheelbase - positioning it under the US-spec long-wheelbase ID. Buzz in terms of exterior size. Built on Kia’s E-GMP.S (E-GMP for Service) platform, the PV5 is claimed to maximize interior space while maintaining a smaller footprint ideal for urban environments.
Kia PV5 - 689579
Highly Flexible, But Not For Long Drives
The Kia PV5 has a front-mounted electric motor delivering 163 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Customers can select either a 51.5-kWh or a 71.2-kWh battery, with the latter offering up to 249 miles of range on a single charge - a bit better than the ID. Buzz but still meager for long drives. We should also keep in mind that EPA figures tend to be more conservative. The PV5 supports fast charging, reaching 80 percent charge from 10 percent in just 30 minutes, and of course, over-the-air (OTA) software updates and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability.
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Just like the other EVs revealed at this year's Kia EV Day, the Korean marque's “Opposites United” design philosophy gives the PV5 a futuristic yet practical aesthetic. The front bumper has three modular sections, allowing for more affordable repairs. The LED headlights feature a contemporary layout with DRLs positioned higher and main beams lower. The electric van will also be available in various color combinations, including two-tone themes.
Kia PV5 - 689630
Will Be Sold In Korea And Europe First
Inside, the PV5’s cabin comes with eco-friendly and easy-to-clean materials, including thermoplastic olefin (TPO), available in five vibrant color options. The flat floor layout supports a flexible 2+2+3 seating arrangement. The front passenger seat can fold onto the floor, while the second- and third-row seats are removable, maximizing versatility. The WAV version comes with a belt-fastening system, plus it allows easy ingress and egress of wheelchairs with the addition of a quick-access ramp that can hold up to 661 lbs.
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The PV5 comes with a 7-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment screen powered by Android Automotive OS, providing advanced connectivity. Features like Digital Key and app-based services are rare in the commercial vehicle segment, further setting the PV5 apart. The PV5's production will take place at Kia’s EVO Plant in South Korea, and will launch in its home market and Europe first, with additional markets to follow - hopefully including the US, where it will be in tight competition against the ID. Buzz in the electric van segment.
Kia PV5 - 689638
