#None #Kia PV5 #Electric Van #International Van

Kia's PV5 Achieves Groundbreaking Recognition in Electric Mobility

Kia Corporation's all-electric PV5 has undoubtedly made waves in the automotive industry. Debuting as Kia's first fully electric van, it has recently been honored with the '2026 International Van of the Year' (IVOTY) award at the renowned SOLUTRANS 2025 event in Lyon, France. This accolade is not just a feather in Kia’s cap; it marks a historic first for both Korea and Asia. The PV5 represents a significant step forward in the world of electric commercial vehicles, securing unanimous praise from a panel of 26 leading commercial vehicle journalists from around the globe.

Significance of the IVOTY Award

Established in 1992, the IVOTY award stands as the most revered recognition in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector. The winners are meticulously chosen based on several pivotal criteria, including:

• - Technological innovation
• - Operational efficiency
• - Safety
• - Environmental performance

With its remarkable performance, the PV5 outshone six other formidable finalists, becoming only the second Asian brand to win this prestigious honor in the entire 34-year history of the award. Jarlath Sweeney, the Chairman of the International Van of the Year jury, praised Kia for setting a new standard in the segment. He articulated that the PV5 combined zero-emission capabilities with exceptional versatility, thereby redefining contemporary expectations for commercial vans.

Kia’s Leadership in Electric Mobility

The triumph of the PV5 bolsters Kia’s established reputation in electric mobility, following the remarkable success of the award-winning EV6 and EV9. Ho Sung Song, the President and CEO of Kia Corporation, emphasized that the PV5 signifies Kia's dedication to innovation within the commercial vehicle domain. The development of the PV5 was driven by meticulous research and insights derived directly from business customers, aiming to enhance both practicality and design finesse. Moreover, Kia's innovative approach to production processes has further streamlined the environmental impact of LCV manufacturing.

Engineering Excellence in the PV5

Kia's PV5 is not just another electric vehicle; it is the first of its kind in the company's electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) lineup. As the foundational model of its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) series, the PV5 boasts a mixture of efficiency, longevity, and adaptability. Some key performance highlights include:

• - Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S)
• - Impressive electric range: Up to 416 km (in Cargo Long variant) or 412 km (in Passenger model)
• - Quick DC fast charging: Can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes
• - Payload Capacity: Up to 790 kg
• - Record Holder: Achieved a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the greatest distance traveled by a light-duty electric van with maximum payload on a single charge at 693.38 km
• - Versatile Battery Options: Three battery sizes (43.3 kWh, 51.5 kWh, 71.2 kWh) to adapt to varied business needs

Meeting Real-World Demands through Customer Insight

Kia's approach to the development of the PV5 was deeply rooted in extensive insights gathered from real customers. Collaborating closely with logistics companies, delivery services, fleet management entities, and mobility service providers helped Kia align the vehicle’s features with the actual challenges these businesses face. Major considerations in the design and functionality of the PV5 included improved ergonomics, efficient loading capabilities, and digital connectivity tools aimed at enhancing operational uptime.

According to Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of PBV Division, the IVOTY award serves as validation for Kia’s commitment to innovation in the LCV market. The PV5 embodies this vision and sets the bar for future developments in electric mobility.

The Future of Kia's PBV Lineup

Available now in Cargo Long and Passenger 5-seater configurations across Europe, the PV5 is just the beginning. Kia has ambitions to broaden its lineup in 2026 with additional models, including Chassis Cab, Cargo Standard (L1H1), and High Roof (L2H2) variants. Future models like the larger PV7 and PV9 are also on the horizon, aiming to fortify Kia’s position in developing a next-generation PBV ecosystem tailored for global business needs.

For additional details and updates, Kia encourages interested parties to visit the Kia Global Media Center.