The Korean automobile manufacturer Kia is further advancing electrically and expanding its range of commercial vehicles: Shortly after the electric transporter PV5 Cargo, the fully electric PV5 Passenger is now being launched, the first passenger car model based on the brand's "Platform Beyond Vehicle" concept. This is intended to enable a variety of customized vehicle variants through modularity and flexibility. The nearly 4.70-meter-long, front-wheel-drive minibus is aimed at both private and commercial users and is initially available as a five-seater. Further variants, including a seven-seater, a six-seater taxi, and a wheelchair-accessible version, will follow, according to the provider.
Five-seater at the start
The five-seater, which can be ordered immediately and whose delivery will start in mid-November, is offered with two battery sizes (51.5 or 71.2 kWh) and
in three progressively equipped lines: Essential, Plus, and Elite. The batteries are said to be sufficient for a range of 288 or 400 kilometers, respectively. Charging is done in 30 minutes from 10 to 80 percent. The towing capacity is 1.5 tons, and the maximum loading volume is 2,300 liters.
Extensive standard equipment
The PV5 Passenger offers comprehensive comfort features as standard, as well as state-of-the-art assistance and infotainment technologies, from LED headlights to the infotainment system that allows the installation of user-specific apps. Optional features include electric sliding doors and tailgate, 220-volt socket, digital car key, surround view camera, electric front seats, and seat ventilation. Up to seven airbags protect the occupants. Prices start gross at 38,290 euros for the model with a 51.5 kWh battery
and 42,290 euros for the version with a 71.2 kWh battery. Kia offers a seven-year manufacturer's warranty (or 150,000 km) and an eight-year battery warranty (or 160,000 km) for the minibus.
"Our light commercial vehicles, suitable for both private and commercial customers, combine the clean efficiency of an electric drive with the unparalleled flexibility of the pioneering Kia PBV architecture," advertises Thomas Djuren, Managing Director of Kia Germany.
They see great potential in this new business field, partly because the demand for customized products is growing. With its variety of variants, the Kia PV5 Passenger, like the PV5 Cargo, is intended to be an exciting alternative to well-known players in its segment. Especially since they intend to leverage the long-standing experience that Kia can boast as a
pioneer in the field of electromobility.
Platform derived from the electric passenger cars
The PBV models are based on the standalone platform E-GMP.S (Electric Global Modular Platform for Service). It builds on the strengths of the existing electric platform E-GMP, which also characterizes the EV3, EV6, and EV9. The so-called skateboard concept of the E-GMP.S is designed to provide a flat base for different body structures, and the integrated modular architecture (IMA) allows essential components like batteries and motors to be standardized. This approach makes it possible to develop a range that covers a broad segment spectrum and diverse usage requirements. To optimally tailor production conditions to the innovative vehicle concept, the brand has set up a dedicated PBV plant (Hwaseong Evo Plant) at Kia Autoland Hwaseong
