The Korean automobile manufacturer Kia unveiled at Solutrans 2025 in Lyon its new electric transporter PV5 as a chassis cab, which is now available to order in Germany. The first fully electric Kia chassis cab with a driver’s cab represents the next step in the brand's "Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV)" strategy. The PV5 is based on the light-commercial-vehicle-modified Kia platform E-GMP.S (Electric Global Modular Platform for Service). Depending on configuration, the model is under five meters long (4,610 mm, 4,870 mm with rear underrun protection) and offers a payload of up to 1,005 kg and, with a high box body, up to 8 m³ of cargo space. The company aims to demonstrate the capabilities of larger D-segment transporters while maintaining compact dimensions and an 11-meter turning circle (kerb-to-kerb), according to the people responsible.
„The introduction of the PV5 Chassis Cab underscores our commitment to redefining the possibilities of light commercial vehicles,“ says Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. „It combines compact efficiency with the capacity of larger transporters and offers customers across Europe a responsible, flexible solution for everyday business.“
Easy conversion thanks to collaboration
The PV5 Chassis Cab was developed in collaboration with European upfitters and, as the most flexible variant of the PV5, supports a broad spectrum of configurations, including the flatbed for transporting construction or agricultural materials, the tipping body for municipal waste collection, three types of box vans for e-commerce parcel logistics and refrigerated vehicles for food delivery. An example at the show is a PV5 converted into a food truck.
„We have worked closely
with upfitters, fleet managers and companies to turn the PV5 Chassis Cab into a base for all possibilities,“ says Sjoerd Knipping, COO of Kia Europe. „Customers can therefore create the commercial vehicle they need today, while being prepared for the requirements of tomorrow.“
Large range, high efficiency
The front-wheel-drive PV5 Chassis Cab is offered with two battery options: a 51.5 kWh battery, available at market launch, and a 71.2 kWh long-range battery, which will come to market in 2026. The range varies depending on vehicle configuration, but a reference point is provided by the recently introduced PV5 Cargo L2H1. With a single charge, the standard-battery variant can travel up to 297 kilometers and the long-range variant up to 416 kilometers (WLTP). With a DC fast-charging capability of up to 150 kW, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes to minimize downtime. Additionally, fast AC charging at 22 kW is planned for later.
Rear underrun protection mandatory
The PV5 Chassis Cab structurally builds on a double-ring steel exoskeleton and features a rear underrun protection device (Rear Underrun Protection Device, RUPD). Available driver-assistance systems include an adaptive cruise control 2.0, lane-keeping assist 2.0 with hands-on detection in the steering wheel rim, active lane keeping assist, and an intelligent speed assist.
Solutions for the industry
The ecosystem Kia Business Solutions presented at the show is intended to offer Kia-owned and cross-brand services tailored to various B2B requirements. With the elements “Drive,” “Charge,” “Connect” and “Work,” a system that goes far beyond the vehicle is to be created,
says Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President Product & Marketing at Kia Europe and COO of Kia Connect Europe.
“Drive”: Fully connected and over-the-air updates
The core is the Kia infotainment system Android Automotive OS (AAOS) as a permanently connected driver interface. It supports AI assistance, regular over-the-air updates (OTA), as well as dynamic map updates and is prepared for the Pleos App Market, the basis for business applications in the vehicle. Drivers can manage and synchronize their profiles conveniently via the modern 32.7 cm (12.9 inch) touchscreen. Through Europe-wide rental and replacement-vehicle services, business customers can book vehicles online or via their Kia dealer. They can choose between daily rentals to cover peak demand and flexible monthly options as an alternative to leasing. With over 150 locations in eight European markets, Kia Drive for Business will enable fleets to scale quickly and flexibly.
“Charge”: Extensive charging network builds trust
The Kia Charge Business service offers an extensive charging network with access to more than one million AC, DC and high-power charging points in over 30 European countries. Thanks to good coverage along motorways and in urban areas, the vehicle can be conveniently charged on the go. Public charging is introduced via the SaaS platform from Deftpower, enabling fast and seamless integration into Kia's offerings. For public charging, various subscription models are available. In addition, Kia offers comprehensive charging solutions for home and depot.
“Connect”: Fleet management for more efficiency
As part of the “Connect” pillar, Kia Connect offers the Kia Pleos Fleet and Fleet API service. This cross-brand, Europe-wide fleet management
platform is compatible without additional hardware and available through flexible monthly subscriptions. It includes administration, reporting, billing, route planning, maintenance, safety and regulatory compliance, and is supported by secure, privacy-compliant services. For fleet managers, it should bring lower costs, better operational control and fewer unplanned disruptions, and for drivers safer and more efficient trips. A dedicated fleet-manager function is planned to be introduced in 2026.
Through the Kia Connect Push-API, fleet operators can access aggregated data, for example mileage, state of charge, GPS data, driving history and vehicle diagnostics. The Business mode in the Kia app combines these functions on a single mobile platform. Fleet managers can manage up to five Kia vehicles directly in the app for free and view charging activity, trip history and vehicle data. Drivers benefit from quick orientation and easy access to vehicle connectivity and online service booking.
“Work”: A portal for all business requirements
The Kia Business Solutions portal serves as the central entry point for the entire ecosystem. It is connected to Kia Charge Business, Kia Pleos Fleet, the Kia Connect Push-API and the Business mode in the Kia app, and enables complete user and vehicle management with secure access rights. Fleet operators can easily add new vehicles with a few clicks and assign user roles and ecosystem services. For fleets that also include non-connected vehicles, the fleet-management system offers an optional Geotab device. In the coming years, the Kia Business Solutions ecosystem will be expanded with further features such as Kia Drive for Business and After-Sales Service, the manufacturer announced at the show.
