Fresh details of the 2026 Kia PV5 electric van have surfaced following its official debut at the 2025 Kia EV Day, ahead of the model’s launch next year.
The headline news is the battery-powered Kia PV5, built to rival the LDV eDeliver 7, VW ID. Buzz Cargo and Ford E-Transit Custom, will be priced in Europe from just €30,000 (around $A50,000).
However, there’s no word on official confirmation, pricing or timings for the Kia PV5 for Australia. “Kia Australia has its hand up to receive as many new EV models as possible, including PV5, but it hasn’t been confirmed for Australia as yet,” stated the local outfit.
The result of Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBV) strategy, the first of Kia’s next-generation vans and people movers will see the PV5 followed by the larger flagship PV7 in roughly two years’ time.
Spun off the Kia EV3 SUV, the PV5 is based on the hatch’s E-GMP platform with the less powerful 400V electrical architecture. It has been heavily modified to offer a flat rear floor and a higher payload.
Driven by a single 120kW/250Nm e-motor that drives the front wheels, the PV5 will be offered with the choice of three batteries: 43.3kWh, 51.5kWh or a large 71.2kWh. The latter is said to deliver a range of up to 400km – more than the Ford E-Transit Custom (337km) but less than the VW ID. Buzz Cargo (431km).
Charging rates have not been released but a 10 to 80 per cent top-up is said to take around 30 minutes, regardless of the battery.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) is standard, allowing the PV5 to act as a power source on site to charge devices or power tools.
From launch, the PV5 will come in cargo, crew-cab, and people-mover formats.
Later, a higher-riding off-road-focused version will also be available, while Kia has already partnered with conversion companies like Westfalia to produce a camper version.
Inside, all variants come with two seats up front, with a second row for the crew cab and a third for the people-mover format.
Within, there’s a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment system that runs Google Android Automotive, which can run business-specific apps.
Payload details will be released later but the cargo van can accommodate a Euro pallet.
The cargo van also features a new rail system on the floor and ceiling to allow cabinets to be installed and/or seats to be added.
Measuring in at 4695mm long, 1895mm wide and standing 1899mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2995mm for the people-mover or the cargo van, the Kia PV5 is shorter, narrower and lower than the Volkswagen ID. Buzz or Ford E-Transit Custom.
When it comes to volume, the PV5 delivers 5.1 cubic metres of load space, compared to 3.9 cubic metres of space for the ID. Buzz Cargo and 6.5 cubic metres of the E-Transit Custom.
A shorter (4525mm long) PV5 Chassis Cab will also be available.
Exterior colours include Mint Gloss, Lakehouse Gray Gloss and Frost Blue Gloss, with the outside of the PV5 featuring sturdy wheel arches and a lift-up tailgate with a low (419mm) load floor height for easy access.
Within, there’s the choice of Deep Navy, Dove Gray, Espresso Brown, Terracotta Brown and Iceberg Green – with all using easy-to-clean, planet-friendly fabrics.
The PV5 Passenger gets what Kia describes as ‘fold and dive’ three-row seating that helps owners liberate extra cargo space when necessary – the front passenger seat and second- and third-row seating can be retained or removed as required.
While it’s yet to be confirmed for Australia, if the Kia PV5 does make it Down Under and it keeps its ultra-low price tag, it could well command a solid price advantage over some ICE-engined rivals, while also offering commercial buyers significant fuel and maintenance savings.
Related: 2025 Kia PV5 shown early
Related: Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo 2024 Review
Related: Ford E-Transit Custom 2024 Review – International