Kia will supply 200 units of the purpose-built vehicle (PBV) "The Kia PV5" cargo model, developed for mail delivery work, to Korea Post.
Kia said on the 11th that it will begin deploying the PV5 Cargo, which reflects the characteristics of mail collection and delivery work, to post offices nationwide in phases starting this month.
The PV5 Cargo supplied to Korea Post was developed based on the PBV-dedicated electrification platform "E-GMP.S." With a low-floor design to reduce physical strain from dozens of daily entries and exits, it is equipped with an advanced driver-assistance system (ADAS).
Kia also conducted real-world vehicle verification at actual delivery sites for about two months from September to November last year. It deployed the PV5 Cargo to hub post offices under the nine regional postal administrations nationwide—Seoul, Gyeongin, Busan, Chungcheong, North Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, Gangwon, and Jeju—held briefings for vehicle managers and users, and evaluated suitability for actual delivery operations.
Kia reflected postal workers' feedback from the verification process in the vehicle. To reduce inconvenience when loading and unloading mail, it applied customized loading solutions through a PBV conversion partnership, including a door damage prevention device, an aluminum floor, and a leveled cargo hold.
Kia plans to support not only vehicle supply but also Korea Post's electric vehicle operating environment. It will provide EV training for fleet managers and tailored charging and maintenance solutions to support electrification.
A representative of Kia's domestic business division said, "This supply is not simply about providing vehicles; it is a case of implementing a PBV tailored to the job by actively reflecting the voices from actual mail delivery sites," adding, "Going forward, Kia will continue to actively support improvements in working environments at public service sites and the transition to electrification with PBVs tailored to customers' work characteristics."
Starting with the PV5 Passenger and Cargo, Kia is expanding its PBV lineup to include Open Bed, WAV, Chassis Cab donor model, and Prime. It is also pursuing PBV-based cooperation with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Coupang Partners Association, and GeoYoung.