Driven: the Kia PV5

Kia – a company that is synonymous with making stylish and funky passenger cars – has set its sights on the commercial vehicle market. Over the next couple of years, it will be launching a number of striking electric vans. The first is the PV5 – and we jetted to South Korea to drive it.

Charleen Clarke

29 Jul 2025 · 09:46

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Introducing the PV5

Kia’s journey into the world of Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs) began in 2021, coinciding with its corporate relaunch and rebranding (when it dropped "Motors" from its name). The PBV strategy, initially announced in broad terms, gained real traction at CES 2024 in Las Vegas. There, Kia unveiled a trio of PBV concepts – PV1, PV5, and PV7 – and confirmed plans to build a dedicated PBV production facility in Hwaseong, South Korea.

A modern white cargo van with a black front hood and accents, featuring sleek and angular design elements. The van is parked on a paved lot surrounded by tall green trees under a clear blue sky. The license plate incorporates Korean characters.

The line-up spans a wide range of applications. At the smaller end is the PV1, an ultra-compact autonomous van aimed at last-mile delivery in congested urban environments. Slightly larger is the upcoming PV3, designed specifically for city logistics, with a launch expected later this decade.

The PV5 is the first model headed for full production. It’s a mid-sized van available in Cargo, Passenger, and Chassis Cab variants, with options for different lengths, roof heights, and battery capacities. It offers an estimated range of up to 400km and features such as Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) power output and modular, customisable interiors.

Two white modern vans are parked on an open asphalt surface under a clear blue sky. The vehicle on the left is a cargo van design, while the one on the right is a passenger van with side windows. Both vans have sleek, futuristic designs with black accents on the lower body and glossy black wheels. There is a line of trees in the background, adding a natural element to the scene.

Further down the line, Kia plans to launch the PV7 in 2027 and the PV9 by 2029, targeting heavier payloads and larger fleet needs.

As the first PBV to enter production, the PV5 sets the tone – and we were the first African journalists to drive it. Kia invited us to test a pre-production PV5 in South Korea, thanks to our role on the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) jury.

Two white vans are parked on an empty paved lot with faintly marked parking lines. The vehicle on the left is positioned diagonally, showing its rear and side, while the one on the right displays its rear and a portion of its windows. Both vehicles have black accents on their wheels, lower body, and rear window areas. A line of green trees and a clear blue sky are visible in the background.

The vehicle in a nutshell

The PV5 sits on Kia’s new dedicated electric platform, dubbed E-GMP.S, which is designed specifically for commercial applications. Unlike many rivals that adapt combustion platforms for EVs, the PV5 was developed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, offering three battery sizes: 43kWh, 51kWh, and 71kWh. Payloads range up to 770kg, and it’s available in multiple body configurations, including Cargo, Passenger, and Chassis Cab. Our test drive, albeit brief, revealed a vehicle that combines nimble urban manoeuvrability with the refinement of Kia’s latest EV passenger cars.

Exterior

Simply put, the PV5 looks spectacular. Kia has brought its award-winning design language into the world of vans, with a boxy yet futuristic shape punctuated by bold LED lighting and clever use of contrasting cladding. It looks modern without appearing overly flashy, and it has a professional and progressive look likely to appeal to image-conscious business owners.

The short overhangs and tight lines suggest urban agility, while the squared-off wheel arches and chunky details hint at ruggedness. Unlike many concept-to-production transitions, the PV5 has stayed remarkably true to its striking concept design.

Interior

The cabin of the PV5 feels closer to a modern SUV than a traditional van. There’s a large 12.9-inch touchscreen running an Android Automotive OS-based infotainment system, alongside a 7-inch digital driver’s display. Quality materials, a flat floor, and thoughtful storage solutions abound. For example, two underfloor storage compartments add surprising practicality.

Our early prototype lacked final trim, but we could already appreciate the airy layout, adjustable driver’s seat, and car-like driving position. Kia’s AddGear modular system promises extensive customisation of interior components, which could make life easier for tradespeople or delivery drivers. This isn’t just a workspace – it’s a comfortable, connected cockpit.

A close-up image of a digital display screen inside a modern vehicle. The screen shows various vehicle metrics, including speed, distance, and energy levels, with some text in an Asian script. The dashboard and steering wheel are partially visible, with the steering wheel to the right of the screen. The background shows a blurred outdoor view, indicating the vehicle is stationary or moving slowly.

Drivetrain

Powering the PV5 is a 120kW front-mounted electric motor, delivering 250Nm of torque. Depending on the battery chosen, range spans from a modest 238km to an impressive 400km. During our limited test drive – just a few hundred metres on Kia’s test track – we noted smooth acceleration and an absence of noise.

South Africa’s mix of good highways, urban potholes, and rural gravel means suspension robustness is vital. The PV5’s EV-specific suspension should give it good city ride comfort, but it’s untested on rougher surfaces outside urban centres.

A close-up image of a digital car dashboard display showing a navigation system. The screen displays a map with streets and a navigation menu offering destination options such as "Select from Previous Destinations" and "Select on Map." The lower section of the screen has icons for various functions, including climate control and app shortcuts. The steering wheel and part of the dashboard controls are partially visible on the left.

Despite its van proportions, the PV5 felt surprisingly agile, a testament to Kia’s efforts to keep weight low and handling sharp. Regenerative braking can be adjusted in multiple steps using steering wheel paddles, including an i-Pedal mode for one-pedal driving, which worked flawlessly. Fast charging capability (150kW) means a 10 to 80% top-up takes under 30 minutes, perfect for busy urban delivery routes.

Safety

Safety was clearly a top priority for Kia, and the PV5 benefits from a raft of advanced driver-assistance systems lifted straight from its passenger car lineup. Features include forward collision avoidance, lane-keeping assist, intelligent speed limit warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automated emergency braking. The PV5 is also engineered with a multi-skeletal structure designed to absorb and distribute crash forces, which Kia believes will enable it to achieve a four- or five-star Euro NCAP rating.

The interior of an empty cargo van with open rear doors, showing a spacious, rectangular loading area. The walls are covered partially in dark gray material, with exposed metal panels in some sections. The floor is flat and covered with textured black material, and the back wall features a black partition with vent-like details. Sunlight illuminates the interior, highlighting the clean and functional design.

Driver comfort is enhanced by a low entry height and excellent forward visibility, thanks to a low beltline and thoughtfully shaped A-pillars. Meanwhile, the standard reversing camera and sensors make tight urban manoeuvres less stressful.

Verdict

Our time behind the wheel was brief but enlightening. Even in prototype form, the PV5 impressed with its quiet, refined driving experience, futuristic design, and practicality. It feels like a big step forward in the small and medium electric van segment.

view of the interior of a vehicle showcasing two front seats with dark fabric and leather upholstery. The seats have adjustable headrests, visible stitching details, and a clean, modern design. The background displays the partition wall separating the cabin area from the cargo space. The seating layout includes visible seatbelt clasps and a minimalistic dashboard area in the foreground.

Kia’s first purpose-built EV van shows the brand is going “all in” on electrification, not by recycling existing platforms but by creating something truly new. If the PV5’s real-world performance matches what we experienced during our short Korean preview, it could be a game-changer for local businesses ready to embrace the electric revolution.

We really like the van’s many innovative features – such as V2L (meaning you can power your tools from the van).

We don’t know what the van will cost when it comes to South Africa, or when it will arrive. Pricing will, however, be relatively high (we’re guessing at least R800,000 ex VAT). For many small to medium businesses, this may be a barrier – particularly in a market where EV incentives are non-existent.

A view from the interior of a vehicle, focusing on the passenger side. The image shows the dashboard corner, passenger grab handle, air vent, and part of the car's side mirror. Through the side mirror and window, a parking area with another vehicle and barren trees in the background is visible. The scene is well-lit with natural daylight.

South Africa’s solar potential does present opportunities for self-charging fleets, but – in the absence of solar power – charging during load shedding remains a concern.

Overall, the PV5 looks set to be a strong contender in the small and medium electric van segment, particularly for urban operations and businesses wanting to go green.

Written by Charleen Clarke

Charleen Clarke is editorial director of FOCUS on Transport & Logistics, South Africa’s leading commercial vehicle magazine. She is an associate jury member on the International Truck of the Year jury and she also judges the annual Truck Innovation Award. She has been writing about commercial vehicles for more decades than she cares to admit. Read more