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Kia PV5 Van Wins 'One to Watch' Award

Kia Corporation has achieved a significant milestone by earning the 'One to Watch' award at the What Van? Awards 2025 for its upcoming PV5 electric van. This recognition comes just ahead of the anticipated production design reveal and highlights Kia's ambitions within the light commercial vehicle market.

The What Van? Awards honor pioneering brands and organizations within the UK's light commercial vehicle sector, recognizing those that stand out for their innovative contributions. The event took place at the London Hilton Bankside, confirming Kia's growing reputation in an industry known for its innovation and competitiveness.

James Dallas, the Editor of What Van?, stated that the entry of Kia into the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market with the PV5 positions the company to lead future developments in electric load carriers. This modular van is designed to fulfill various business needs, promising versatility and practicality that could transform the sector.

Simon Hetherington, Kia UK's Commercial Director, expressed pride in receiving this award, characterizing it as a pivotal moment for the brand. He noted that this entry into the van industry comes at a crucial time when change is essential for both Kia and the broader industry. The award symbolizes what Kia aims to achieve with its forthcoming electric van lineup.

The Vision Behind the Kia PV5

The Kia PV5 is part of the brand's comprehensive 'Plan S' strategy, launched in early 2020, which emphasizes electric mobility and sustainable transport solutions. As part of this strategy, Kia announced the establishment of a new factory dedicated exclusively to the production of electric vans, which broke ground in April 2023.

In January 2024, at CES in Las Vegas, Kia unveiled the initial concepts for its purpose-built vehicles (PBVs), including the PV5 and another model, the PV7, demonstrating its commitment to innovative solutions within the commercial vehicle space.

The PV5 is distinguished by its advanced features, including Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, which allows users to power external devices directly from the vehicle. This adds functionality and convenience for business users who may require off-grid power sources. Additionally, the PV5 will include integrated fleet management solutions, enabling businesses to manage their operations more efficiently.

As we approach early 2025, Kia is set to unveil the production model of the PV5. This release will provide details on specifications, pricing, and a tailored strategy for the UK market, showcasing how the PV5 can address the specific needs of commercial customers.

Conclusion

The recognition from the What Van? Awards serves as a testament to Kia's commitment to innovation and excellence in the electric vehicle market. With the launch of the PV5 on the horizon, Kia is poised to make a lasting impact in the light commercial vehicle industry, offering sustainable solutions that align with the needs of modern businesses. The anticipation surrounding this model is palpable, as it represents not just a vehicle, but a shift towards a more sustainable and efficient commercial transport ecosystem.