On February 24 in Spain local time, a new concept of mobility was unveiled at '2025 Kia EV Day' held in Tarragona. It is a Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV), which translates to purpose-based mobility.
PBV is a term that encompasses new forms of vehicles such as SUVs and CUVs. Kia showcased the first production model PV5 of the PBV at the '2025 EV Day'. The name PV5 indicates that models like PV7 or others could be released in the future.
There is a basis for this. The PBV dedicated platform 'E-GMP.S' has been developed, and PV5 was built on this platform.
E-GMP is a dedicated electric vehicle platform that has received global acclaim from Hyundai Motor Group. The 'S' denotes a service strategy that thoroughly reflects the voices of PBV customers.
E-GMP.S was developed as a skateboard platform concept that can apply various upper bodies on a flat-shaped platform, enabling a wide product lineup from small to large PBVs in the future. This means that models smaller than PV5 or larger models can be expanded.
Kia maintains a pattern that fully enjoys the authority reserved for 'pioneers' in this field when naming electric vehicles. This is clearly highlighted in the 'EV' series. Models like EV6, EV9, and EV3 have already been released in the domestic market, with 'EV' standing for 'Electric Vehicle' in English. This means that they have effectively claimed the proper nouns 'Electric Vehicle 6', 'Electric Vehicle 9', and 'Electric Vehicle 3'.
Kia's pioneering premium, which claims common nouns as proper nouns, is likewise granted in the PV series.
The greatest strength of PBV, including PV5, is its remarkable expandability. Users typically do not need to go through the customization process for specialty vehicles. This is because manufacturers can supply mass-produced vehicles in various forms for diverse purposes.
A representative example is a welfare vehicle for the disabled.
Under the current system in our country, it is necessary to purchase boxcars like Carnival or RAY and modify them to accommodate wheelchairs. However, PV5 can provide vehicles that allow wheelchairs to board and disembark from the start.
Under the name 'PV5', various basic models such as 'Passenger', 'Cargo', 'WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle)', and 'Chassis Cab' will be supplied. In addition, conversion models optimized for leisure and relaxation such as 'Light Camper', premium passenger models 'Prime', open bed, and dedicated European 'Crew' will be derived.
This is truly 'purpose-based mobility'. However, Kia's extensive exploration of PBV is not solely targeting the domestic market. Naturally, the global market will be targeted, and there may be questions about 'why at this point in time'. A European media representative at the '2025 Kia EV Day' event asked Kia President Song Ho-sung at the beginning of a press conference, 'Why is Kia attempting to participate in LCV (Light Commercial Vehicle) at this time?'
President Song's response included the 'electrification strategy'.
President Song Ho-sung noted, 'I have worked in Europe for 15 years. Therefore, I have always had the goal to re-enter such markets,' adding, 'The LCV market is a very strong market in Europe, with stable demand coming out. However, until now, there was no opportunity to participate in this market. There were many players, and there were several issues from a business planning perspective. But I believe now is a good timing, as it is possible to include electrification in the LCV plan.'
However, President Song explained, 'The current management business model of the LCV market is quite outdated. Most manufacturers are converting vehicles to fit business purposes. This is a very difficult process and is not good for the environment. It also incurs additional expenses.'
Alternatives need to be eco-friendly and flexible.
President Song said, 'The conventional conveyor belt system cannot create a flexible system. Therefore, we are currently building a new factory. The flexibility in production is a significant strength at that factory. If there is a modified vehicle, we can optimize the production process to follow the processes required for the next modification. The existing production line can only produce four or five models, but the new production process can produce up to 11, and in some cases, 20 models.'
He emphasized that various conversion models are also equipped with a system produced in Kia's factory. The flexibility to offer various types of models tailored to various demands was the key to Kia's challenge in LCV. The dedicated PBV plant, 'Hwaseong EVO Plant', combines conveyor and cell manufacturing methods to establish a flexible and efficient manufacturing process capable of mass producing a variety of models. Global conversion partners, such as BraunAbility, collaborate with Kia.
Kia optimized the structure of the PE (Power Electric) room by reflecting the requirements of PBV customers from various industries into the design. As a result, a spacious interior and cargo space could be secured. Additionally, a flat floor structure was applied in the second and third rows, and the vehicle body floor was designed to be low, enhancing the convenience of boarding and disembarking for passengers and loading and unloading cargo.
Software also contributes to the innovation of the vehicle usage experience.
An infotainment system based on the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) was installed in the PBV, supporting various business-specific apps through the App market. It provides wireless (OTA) software updates to refresh vehicle main functions and a fleet management system to enhance operational efficiency using connected vehicle data. Collaborating with software partners like 42dot and Samsung Electronics, they promise to continuously expand the usability of the PBV business platform, including extending Samsung's IoT platform 'SmartThings Pro' to the PBV.
Kia operates PV5 with NCM batteries with capacities of 71.2kWh and 51.5kWh, considering the driving environments of various customers. In Europe, a cargo model with a capacity of 43.3kWh LFP battery will be additionally operated.
PV5 applies a 'Cell-to-Pack' battery system that installs cells without modules inside the battery pack to enhance energy efficiency. The PV5 passenger model, equipped with a 71.2kWh battery, delivers a maximum output of 120kW and a maximum torque of 250Nm, allowing it to travel up to 400 kilometers on a single charge (based on European WLTP and Kia laboratory measurements). The charging time for fast charging from 10% to 80% capacity takes about 30 minutes (based on Kia laboratory measurements).
PV5 is equipped with a dedicated vehicle infotainment system based on the Android Automotive Operating System on a 12.9-inch wide-screen display with a 16:9 aspect ratio. An app market to access apps for business purposes is built in, and it includes advanced features such as wireless (OTA) updates for main controllers, digital key 2, and V2L.
Kia applied a 'Flexible Body System' that modularizes the body parts corresponding to the roof, doors, and tailgate of PV5, establishing a foundation for optimal production of various body specifications. The interior of PV5 was designed with the theme of 'Open Box' to simplify the design. This maximized spatial usability and allowed for customized specifications that meet various customer requirements. The concept of 'Kia AddGear', which allows customers to add desired items into the interior like customized furniture, was introduced for the first time to secure flexibility and expandability.
▲PV5 Passenger
The driver's space in the PV5 passenger model features a sense of stability through vertical and horizontal forms and an open feel from a low beltline, with various storage spaces applied to the crash pad enhancing the driver's convenience. The passenger space considers the passengers with USB charging ports, seat heater switches, and offers improved usability with the application of reclining & folding seats in the second row.
Through Kia AddGear, modular specifications such as a smartphone holder or credit card reader can be additionally mounted to the 'fastening platform' provided on the left side of the driver's seat and on top of the floor console based on customer needs.
The arrangement of seats in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd rows can be operated in various ways depending on the number of passengers and purpose, providing customized interior configurations.
An 'all-in-one display' is also set to be introduced in the infotainment system based on AAOS. The all-in-one display includes an app meter essential for taxi operations and is compatible with payment devices, significantly enhancing taxi drivers' convenience.
▲PV5 Cargo
PV5 Cargo is based on the driving space of the PV5 passenger model and is available in compact, long, and high roof versions with varying payload capacities according to usage purposes.
The cargo high roof offers options for a 'fold & dive' feature for the co-driver seat and a 'walk-through' feature to move from the first row to the cargo space, providing a maximum payload capacity of 5,165 liters (based on VDA). It actively incorporates features such as 'L-track mounting' that allow spec attachments such as lighting/netting/fixings and adds V2L functionality to conveniently utilize power, enhancing operational efficiency and comfort for customers.
▲PV5 WAV
PV5 WAV reflects Kia's commitment to providing greater mobility freedom.
Side boarding and disembarking methods are applied to ensure safe entry and exit for wheelchair passengers from the curb. Additionally, a convenient and universal wheelchair belt fastening structure and second-row seating provide equal comfort and stability to regular passengers, while a tip-up seat in the third row allows caregivers to assist wheelchair passengers closely.
Kia offers a variety of PV5 lineups through a conversion business system that it produces and guarantees directly, in addition to basic models.
The Crew model exclusive to Europe combines the characteristics of passenger and cargo, allowing the second-row space to be utilized as cargo space as needed, and can be used for work with added L-track mounting and V2L in the cargo room.
Kia is set to showcase the basic model of PV5 in the domestic and European markets in the second half of this year, beginning the sequential launch of the PV5 lineup, including conversion models, by 2026. In the domestic market, PV5 will be unveiled for the first time at the Seoul Mobility Show in April, and contracts are expected to begin in the first half of this year.
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