KIA set to launch van competitor

KIA is launching a new van range, including the company’s first dedicated cargo van in more than 20 years, with the release of the PV5

AFTER an absence of more than 15 years, KIA is set to move back into the commercial van market with a new EV model, the PV5.

Previously, KIA offered the Pregio van and K2700/2900 light duty truck, with some success, in the early to middle 2000s, however there was no replacement forthcoming after they were retired.

Set to debut at Sydney’s Mobility Live expo on October 15 and 16, the PV5 will be available as both a large-scale people mover and a dedicated cargo van.

Built on an all-new design, the ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ (PBV) can be configured for multiple applications, with a total of 16 variants, including as a driver-only model with removable front passenger seat.

With 120kW and 250Nm, standardised testing gave a range of 412km for the five-seat passenger van and 416km for the Long cargo model, when fitted with the 71.2kw/h Nickel Cobalt Manganese battery.

Recognising accidents happen, the PV5’s LED headlights are recessed into the front bumper, to reduce the potential for minor accident damage, while the rear bumper is built in three sections, allowing individual parts to be replaced, without needing to remove the complete assembly.

The high roofline of the cargo van is offset by the underfloor battery packs, creating a lower centre of gravity for improved stability, even when loaded.