Kia(000270) unveiled "the Kia PV7," a new large electric purpose-built vehicle (PBV), for the first time in the world. Not only is it bigger than the PV5, a compact electric PBV released last year, it is also smarter.
Kia on the morning of the 14th (local time) unveiled the PV7 Cargo Long model and Passenger Long model at IAA Transportation 2026, the world's largest commercial vehicle trade show, in Hanover, Germany. After launching these two models in Korea and Europe in the second half of next year, it plans to roll out 21 more sequentially.
Both PV7 models measure 5,350 mm in length, and 1,995 mm in width with a 3,500 mm wheelbase. Compared with the PV5 Cargo Long, a model one class below that was released last year, the length is 655 mm longer and the width is 100 mm wider. The wheelbase has been extended by 505 mm. Compared with Hyundai Motor's multipurpose vehicle (MPV) Staria, the width is the same, but the body is longer.
Kia extended the wheelbase compared with existing commercial vehicles in the same class to enlarge the cargo hold and distribute loads more stably. Based on the dedicated EV platform E-GMP.S, it secured a wide, flat cabin and cargo space. As a result, the Cargo Long model offers 6.1㎡ (VDA standard) of cargo capacity, and the Passenger Long model can be configured with up to 11 seats.
The PV7 Cargo Long is offered as 2-seat and 3-seat models, plus a multi-seat model with a second row. Using an EV platform, it sets the load floor height at 550 mm—about thigh height—to reduce loading and unloading burden. Thanks to this, it can carry three Euro pallets (1,200 mm x 800 mm), one more than the PV5.
The tailgate is available in two types—side-hinged and conventional lift-up—so customers can choose according to their environment. The 3-seat model also offers a "load-through partition" that uses the space under the front passenger seat to accommodate long cargo.
The PV7 Cargo's payload is 1,165 kg for the Long model and 1,200 kg for the Compact model under European standards. As the share of curb weight in the vehicle's gross weight (the maximum allowable weight when fully loaded with people and cargo) increases, the Long body model's payload has decreased. To provide stable driving performance even when loaded, it is equipped with a "high-load driving mode" that controls powertrain output according to payload.
The PV7 Passenger Long comes as 7-seat, 9-seat, and 11-seat models. The 9-seat model offers two seating layouts depending on whether it has a fourth row. The 7-seat model features a "long-rail easy-remove seat system," allowing the rear seats to be moved freely or detached. This lets customers adjust the seating and cargo space.
The exterior features black accents throughout the box-shaped body. In particular, the black garnish that extends to the fenders and the D-pillars gives the impression of being connected to the side glass, creating a "floating roof" look, as if the roof panel is hovering.
Because it is a commercial vehicle, components that are prone to damage—the outer ends of the bumper, the wheel arches (the rim surrounding the wheel from the fender), and door cladding (protective panels attached to the lower part or sides of the doors)—are designed for easy replacement to reduce downtime for maintenance.
Both models adopt Pleos Connect, a next-generation infotainment system based on Hyundai Motor Group's Android Automotive operating system (AAOS), adding a large display up to 14.6 inches inside. Among Kia commercial vehicles, the PV7 is the first to be equipped with Pleos Connect. A 9.9-inch slim display sits in the instrument cluster position.
The PV7 Cargo improves usability by applying an open storage space to the top of the crash pad (dashboard-mounted shock absorber), and in the 3-seat model, when there is no front passenger, the center seatback can be folded and used as an open tray. The PV7 Passenger features a two-tone steering wheel, ambient lighting for a cozy atmosphere, and a center console that can serve as a table.
The PV7 is offered as a Standard model and a Long-range model equipped with NCM high-voltage batteries with capacities of 71.5 kWh and 96.2 kWh. The Long-range model unveiled this time has a maximum single-charge driving range of up to 460 km under WLTP standards. Charging supports up to 350 kW ultra-fast charging, enabling a charge from 10% to 80% state of charge in the 20-minute range.
Among Kia electric vehicles (EVs), the PV7 is the first to feature two charging ports: a front fast/slow port and a rear-side slow port. It also supports V2L, which supplies high-voltage battery power to external devices. The motor is a front unit with a maximum output of 200 kW and peak torque of 420 Nm, and an all-wheel-drive model is planned for future release.
With Pleos Connect applied, the PV7 also supports an open app marketplace and GleO AI, a next-generation generative artificial intelligence (AI) agent. Over-the-air (OTA) software updates are supported, allowing continuous access to the latest features and services throughout operation.
In addition, Kia offers an "uptime management service" that monitors vehicle condition and detects early warning signs to improve vehicle availability and reduce operating expense.
The PV7 also comes with a variety of driving convenience features, including forward collision-avoidance assist, lane-keeping assist, and navigation-based smart cruise control, as well as driving safety features such as pedal misapplication prevention assist and acceleration limit assist.
Kia plans to first launch the PV7 Passenger Long and Cargo Long in Korea and Europe in the second half of 2027, then roll out a total of 23 PV7 derivative and conversion models. Through Sept. 20 at IAA 2026 Transportation, it will display the two PV7 models along with six PV5 models, and during the show it will invite 31 specialized body builders at home and abroad to hold a global PBV Conversion Partners Day to communicate its PBV brand vision.
Song Ho-sung, president of Kia, said, "The PV7 presents the next stage of personalized mobility," adding, "We will provide a comprehensive business solution that can respond flexibly to a variety of businesses."