Kia Unveils its New Modular Electric Van PV5

The PV5 is offered in three body styles: Passenger, Cargo and Chassis Cab. Like all future Kia PBV models, the PV5 will leverage the brand’s world-leading EV technology to fulfil the diverse needs of a broad customer base by providing unprecedented flexibility and customization through innovative modularization.

March 01, 2025. By Aishwarya

Kia Corporation has launched its new PV5 at the 2025 Kia EV Day, held in Tarragona, Spain.

The PV5, a mid-sized Car Derived Van (CDV), is the first production model to debut under Kia’s dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) global business strategy. It redefines space and mobility with innovative modularization, offering unmatched flexibility.

The PV5 is offered in three body styles: Passenger, Cargo and Chassis Cab. Like all future Kia PBV models, the PV5 will leverage the brand’s world-leading EV technology to fulfil the diverse needs of a broad customer base by providing unprecedented flexibility and customization through innovative modularization.

All Kia PBV models, including the PV5, will be built on the brand’s leading-edge ‘E-GMP.S’ platform, a dedicated battery-electric skateboard architecture that allows for flexible combinations of various vehicle bodies.

“By integrating the clean efficiency of an electric powertrain with the unprecedented flexibility of our new PBV architecture and advancing our product, software, and manufacturing innovations, the PV5 embodies our core values as a sustainable mobility solutions provider,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO at Kia.

“Modern vehicles have become incredibly complex, but with the PV5, Kia has united multiple cutting-edge technologies toward the goal of simplifying users’ mobility experiences. This removes complexity from their personal transport needs and frees them to focus on the pursuit of their ambitions and fulfilment of their passions,” he added.

The company’s Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S) is a PBV-dedicated platform and a first for Hyundai Motor Group. This platform builds upon the existing strengths of Hyundai’s electric vehicle platform, E-GMP, while focusing specifically on meeting the real-world needs of PBV business customers. At the core of this innovation is the Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA), which standardizes essential components such as batteries and motors. This approach streamlines vehicle development, reduces costs, and ultimately enhances competitiveness in the marketplace.

The E-GMP.S platform utilizes a skateboard concept, allowing for diverse upper body designs to be integrated into a flat base. This versatility empowers Kia to develop a wide range of PBVs, catering to various segments from small to large models.

Additionally, Kia has developed the Flexible Body System, an innovative technology that enables the modular assembly of body components, akin to assembling a puzzle. This capability allows Kia to effectively address the diverse needs of its customers by providing standard models including Passenger, Cargo, Chassis-Cab, WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle), and Family. Additionally, it will feature conversion models including the Crew, Drop Side, Box Van, Freezer Box, Prime (advanced model based on Passenger), and Light Camper.

In terms of product features, Kia incorporates the advanced electrification capabilities previously seen in its EVs into its PBVs, maximizing productivity and operational efficiency. Additionally, Kia enhances the vehicle ownership experience with robust warranties for both standard and converted models, alongside innovative predictive maintenance services that leverage vehicle data to significantly reduce downtime.

To optimize manufacturing, Kia has established a dedicated PBV plant known as the ‘EVO Plant.’ This plant employs a flexible and efficient production process, utilizing both conveyor and cell-based systems. Moreover, Kia plans to establish a conversion center for customized vehicle production, aimed at saving customers time and money while minimizing waste. This center will provide high-quality converted vehicles fully backed by Kia’s warranty.

Additionally, based on feedback from various business customers in the global market, Kia will continue to create new value through the PBV business platform by collaborating with major global conversion partners such as BraunAbility and software partners like 42dot and Samsung Electronics.

Kia has integrated an Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS)-based in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) system in its PBV vehicles to offer a widerrange of app services and improve usability for business partners.

To provide a seamless customer experience, Kia is focusing on the integrated delivery of vehicles and solutions that enhance business efficiency—an advantage that traditional light commercial vehicles (LCVs) have struggled to achieve. Kia is also establishing partnerships with various clients and companies to solidify its PBV business platform.

A notable collaboration with Samsung Electronics extends Samsung’s IoT platform, SmartThings Pro, to Kia PBVs, thereby offering business customers a connected experience that bridges their vehicles to the broader workplace IoT ecosystem.

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Sustainable Transport

Electric vehicle supply chain

Electric vehicle models

Electric Vehicle Hub

Electric vehicle adoption

Electric mobility industry