International van of the year report 2024 George Barrow
PV3 is also planned with no specific timeline but its arrival will depend on how the other models in the range are received.
The PV5 will come in both standard and high roof variant panel vans, as well as people mover and an autonomous taxi. The PV5 Concept measures 4.7m long, making it similar in length to a Ford Transit Custom. Kia is aiming for a useable range of around 200 miles, but there’s no official announcement yet on what motors or batteries the PV5 range
will get, although it will be built on an adapted version of the E-GMP platform which is currently used by the Kia EV6 and Kia EV9 electric passenger cars. However, the PV5 range will use a 400V electrical system, rather than 800V.
Kia also plans to introduce body swapping technology by 2027, an example of which was shown as a pick-up body based on a PV5 chassis cab.
A feature of each of the models is their universal load-height which
How realistic is the current Kia PV5 concept?
Kia says the design of the production vehicle is 85% complete, with most of the changes occurring due to the need for more practical elements. As an example, the Kia EV9 passenger car that was shown as a concept ended up with a significantly increased ride height in order to accommodate batteries. That’s no bad thing as it would aid visibility – the current seating position appears relatively low, especially in the PV7. There are doubts about the dealer network with Kia expecting its current network of dealers to initially take up the strain, but consideration has been made for a selection of dedicated sites to service fleet needs at a later date.
will allow loads to be transferred seamlessly between the vehicles, regardless of their size. Kia’s concept shows the larger PV7 – a 5.0m to 5.9m model – off-loading its contents to the autonomous PV1 using a rail system which transfers cargo modules between the vehicles. Kia confirmed that the PV7, scheduled for release in 2027, will be available in front-wheel-drive and with an all-wheel-drive model. Further details of PV1 and PV3 are not yet available as neither has a planned on-
sale date yet. Built on an electric skateboard
platform, all PBV models have what’s called a “dynamic hybrid” modular body, that Kia says reduces the amount of parts needed by 55%. It combines tubular steel and engineered polymers with no loss of strength.
There will also be a high level of recycled content in the range, with materials like recycled sea plastics from The Ocean Cleanup project being re-used in the vans.
@whatvan
January 2024 WhatVan?
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