I test drove Kia's first purpose-built vehicle (PBV) PV5. The PV5 is an electric commercial vehicle that has varying internal configurations depending on its intended use, such as passenger transport or cargo delivery. The competing model for the PV5 is Hyundai's Staria, which is set to launch its electric version next year, and I compared the two vehicles.
The exterior of the Kia PV5 resembles a boxcar, appearing as a larger version of the Ray. The wide windows at the front and sides are similar to those of the Staria but slightly smaller in size. The length of the PV5 is 4,695 mm (long, high-roof), the width is 1,895 mm, and the height is 1,905 mm, average for a compact SUV.
The wheelbase, which determines the interior space, measures 2,995 mm. The Staria (cargo 5-seater LPG) has a length and width of 5,255 mm and 1,995 mm, respectively, with a height and wheelbase of 2,000 mm and 3,275 mm, making it larger than the PV5.
The interior space is spacious and comfortable. Thanks to the high body, the front and side views are wide open, providing a sense of openness. Similar to its exterior, the interior has a generally angular and simplistic design.
The driver's instrument cluster displays vehicle speed, battery status, and allows for intuitive operation. There are various storage spaces near the door handles and the display within easy reach of the driver.
The PV5 allows consumers to completely redesign and configure the space behind the front seats according to their selection. They can choose features such as sliding doors, windows, seat arrangements, and trunk door operations (double-door or lift-up).
Currently, seven configurations are offered, with potential for up to 16 combinations in the future. In contrast, the Staria requires selecting trims tailored to its purpose, such as cargo (3 or 5-seater), tourer (9 or 11-seater), and lounge (luxury 7 or 9-seater).
The PV5 cargo model uses all space behind the first row as a loading area. When opening the rear door or trunk, an empty space is revealed. The maximum dimensions of this space are 2,255 mm in length, 1,565 mm in width, and 1,520 mm in height, allowing for a loading capacity of up to 4,420 liters (L).
The passenger model features second-row seating for three people behind the first row. The cargo model's area behind the driver's seat is completely enclosed, which may initially feel awkward due to the absence of a rearview mirror.
The driving sensation of the vehicle is smooth and quiet, as expected from an electric car. When the accelerator is pressed, the vehicle responds immediately, but the power output is low. The PV5 has a maximum output of 120 kW (163 horsepower) and a limited top speed of 140 km/h.
Despite being an electric vehicle with a battery, both the cargo and passenger models felt light. However, when driving at high speeds or encountering strong winds, the vehicle swayed side to side, necessitating a firm grip on the steering wheel. The Staria, in comparison, offers a heavier and more stable driving feel, with a maximum output of 240 horsepower.
There are also concerns regarding long-distance driving and charging convenience. The range per charge for the PV5 is 358 km for the passenger model and 377 km for the cargo model. With a 350 kW fast charger, it takes approximately 30 minutes to charge the battery from 10% to 80%.
Based on the cargo model, the Kia PV5's certified fuel efficiency (energy consumption) is 4.7 km/kWh on a combined basis. Assuming an annual mileage of 15,000 km, the charging cost is about 1.1 million won (the Environmental Ministry's fast charging rate is 347.2 won per kWh). The Staria LPG's certified fuel efficiency is 7.0 km/L, which, using the same criteria, results in an annual fuel cost of approximately 2.22 million won (the national average fuel price as of the second week of August is 1,037 won per liter).
The price of the PV5 before applying electric vehicle tax benefits is as follows: for the passenger model, ▲Basic 47.09 million won, ▲Plus 50 million won; for the cargo model, Standard ▲Basic 42 million won, Long-range ▲Basic 44.7 million won. With subsidies, the passenger model is expected to be available for mid-30 million won range, while the cargo model will be in the mid-20 million won range. The price for the Staria LPG cargo starts at 30.78 million won.