Kia's first electric PBV, the PV5 Concept (Source: Kia)
Kia's first electric Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) has been spotted charging ahead of its official launch. A new video shows that Kia's new PBV could be a rival to the Volkswagen ID.Buzz.
We first looked at Kia's new business strategy at the 2024 CES in January. Kia said its PBVs are designed as a “total mobility solution” that combines fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software.
“Kia's PBV business represents our vision to go beyond the traditional concept of cars,” explained CEO Ho Sung Song.
Its purpose-built electric vans, with customized interiors and state-of-the-art technology, “open the door to new businesses and lifestyles.”
Promoted as “the answer to all your transportation needs,” Kia PBVs can be used to start a business, carry goods, or provide delivery services.
Kia plans to cover all segments with three models (PV1, PV5, and PV7). The first to be introduced will be the PV5, Kia's mid-size electric people mover.
Kia's PV5 will be available in different configurations, including basic (passenger), van (delivery/transportation), or chassis cab (like a truck bed). In the future, Kia also plans to introduce a standalone PV5-R designed to ride.
Can Kia's first PBV challenge Volkswagen's ID.Buzz?
After seeing the PV5's interior for the first time in July, a new video has surfaced CarSpyMedia gives us a closer look at Kia's first electric van.
A prototype of the PV5 was spotted charging with a big box design. Despite the camouflage, you can see some design elements peeking through.
Kia's first PBV retains much of the design shown in the concept in January. The electric van has a modern, futuristic design built for the electric age.
All PBV models will be built on Kia's dedicated e-CCPM (Electric Complete Chassis Platform Module) from Hyundai Mobis.
Kia will build PBV models at its new dedicated facility in Autoland Hwaseong, Korea. The plant is expected to open next year and have a capacity of up to 150,000 per year. By 2030, Kia aims for production to reach 300,000.
Kia's PBV business will challenge rivals such as Volkswagen with ID.Buzz. Ford, GM, Rivian, and others are developing purpose-built electric vans.
Volkswagen's ID.Buzz costs around $70,000 (€64,581) in Germany, including VAT. In the US, it starts at $61,545.
Although Kia hasn't revealed official pricing, the PV5 is expected to start around $35,000. Kia showed off the PV5 and PV7 this week at the European premiere of their new PBV range.
Kia plans to launch a production version next summer. At the IAA Hannover, Kia announced that the entire PBV will be covered by a warranty of seven years or 150,000 km.
Kia has already secured its first PBV customer, Uber. The partnership aims to offer ride-hailing PBVs in the Uber area.
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