Kia unveiled the first model of its purpose-built vehicle (PBV) lineup, the PV5, at the '2025 Kia EV Day' held in Tarragona, Spain, on the 24th (local time).
A PBV is a vehicle that shares a basic platform but has different exterior and functions based on its intended use. Last January, at the '2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES)' held in Las Vegas, Kia showcased three PBV concept cars: the medium model PV5, the small model PV1, and the large model PV7.
Kia applied its PBV-exclusive platform, E-GMP.S, for the first time within the Hyundai Motor Group. E-GMP.S was designed based on the E-GMP, Hyundai Motor Group's dedicated electric vehicle platform, reflecting the needs of PBV customers.
E-GMP.S is developed as a skateboard platform concept that can accommodate various upper bodies on a flat surface. This will enable a wide range of product lineups from small to large PBVs in the future.
Kia optimized the PE (Power Electric) room structure to ensure spacious interior and cargo space. Additionally, a flat floor structure was applied in the second and third rows, and the vehicle's floor was designed low to enhance passenger boarding and alighting, as well as cargo loading and unloading convenience.
Kia's PBV supports various business-specific apps through an infotainment system and app market based on the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), providing a competitive business environment. Business customers can also utilize Samsung Electronics' IoT platform 'SmartThings Pro.'
Kia's first dedicated PBV, the PV5, is equipped with NCM (nickel, cobalt, manganese) batteries of 71.2kWh and 51.5kWh capacities. In Europe, a cargo model with a 43.3kWh capacity LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery will also be operated.
The PV5 passenger model, equipped with a 71.2kWh battery, delivers a maximum output of 120kW and a peak torque of 250Nm. It can travel up to 400 km on a single charge. Fast charging from 10% to 80% capacity takes about 30 minutes.
Kia applied various advanced driver assistance systems to the PV5, including ▲Highway Driving Assist ▲Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control ▲Lane Keeping Assist 2.
The PV5 features a dedicated vehicle infotainment and app market based on the Android Automotive Operating System on a 12.9-inch display with a 16:9 aspect ratio. Users can also utilize ▲Over-the-Air (OTA) updates for major controllers ▲Digital Key 2 ▲V2L (Vehicle to Load) technology, which draws power from the electric vehicle's battery for external use.
In addition, Kia established a foundation for producing various body specifications tailored to customer demands by applying a 'Flexible Body System' that modularizes body parts related to the PV5's roof, doors, and tailgate.
The basic model of the PV5 is divided into four versions: ▲Passenger ▲Cargo ▲WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) ▲Chassis Cab. Additionally, conversion models such as ▲Light Camper, optimized for leisure and relaxation ▲Prime, a premium passenger model ▲Open Bed ▲Refrigerated and built-in trucks ▲Cru, exclusive to Europe, will also be available.
The exterior colors of the PV5 include ▲Soft Mint ▲Lakehouse Gray ▲Frost Blue. The interior colors will be produced in ▲Deep Navy ▲Dove Gray ▲Espresso Brown.
Kia will begin contracting for the basic model of the PV5 domestically and in Europe in the first half of this year. By next year, the company plans to sequentially introduce the PV5 lineup, including conversion models.