- Kia unveiled an electric pickup truck at SEMA
- Based on the PV5, WKNDR previews the potential of an EV for fun
- Production of the PV5 and its variants is scheduled for 2025
The annual SEMA show in Las Vegas is usually a showcase for modified production cars and aftermarket parts, but this year Kia brought an electric concept car ready for the road.
The Kia PV5 WKNDR concept is an electric van based on the Kia PV5, one of a series of Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) concepts Kia unveiled at CES earlier this year. These ideas preview the line of convertible electric vans commercial use, but PV5 WKNDR is intended for entertainment.
Kia PV5 WKNDR concept
A windowed front bumper, small tires under flared fenders, and a pop-up camper attachment make this van perfect for going off-grid, while built-in solar panels to help ensure a level of satisfaction once you are there. The onboard air compressor can also be used to inflate tires to keep them off the road, or to inflate air mattresses.
When parked, the modular storage system allows accessories and equipment to be safely stored on the outside, freeing up more interior space, while still providing easy access, according to Kia. This includes a mobile kitchen assembly for cooking at the campsite.
Kia PV5 WKNDR concept
As explained by Kia at CES earlier this year, the PV5 and other PBV concepts are very different from current EVs. There was no mention of a skateboard platformbut instead interchangeable upper bodies, secured to the chassis by magnetic coupling, allowing the same vehicle to serve different roles. One van can go from a taxi during the day, to a delivery van at night, to a recreational vehicle like WKNDR, well, on the weekends.
Kia has set up a dedicated factory for its PBV business in South Korea as a result start production in 2025 with a target annual capacity of 150,000 unitsand hidden prototypes of the PV5 electric van were seen for testing. Kia views these electric vans as key products for its future EV push, and may use them as the basis for robotaxis if self-driving technology reaches maturity.