Kia has taken the next step in building its extensive “Platform Beyond Vehicle” electric van lineup, starting in Europe.
Shortly after the launch of the PV5 Cargo, the all-electric PV5 Passenger has arrived, making the first passenger car model based on the brand’s innovative platform designed for a variety of tailor-made vehicle variants through modularity and flexibility.
The nearly 4.70-meter (15-foot)-long, front-wheel-drive PV5 Passenger is aimed at both private and commercial users and is initially available as a five-seater. According to Kia, additional variants, including a seven-seater, a six-seater taxi, and a wheelchair-accessible version, will follow.
The five-seater, which can be ordered immediately with deliveries starting in mid-November, is offered with two battery sizes (51.5 and 71.2 kWh) and in three successive trim lines: Essential, Plus, and Elite. Prices in Germany start at €38,290 for the model with the 51.5-kWh battery and €42,290 for the version with the 71.2-kWh battery.
This makes it significantly cheaper than the Volkswagen ID.Buzz, where a base model van with a 59-kWh battery costs nearly €50,000.
Kia offers a seven-year manufacturer warranty (or 150,000 km/93,000 miles) and an eight-year battery warranty (or 160,000 km/100,000 miles). The Kia PBV models are based on the independent E-GMP.S platform (Electric Global Modular Platform for Service.)
It builds on the strengths of the existing E-GMP electric platform to offer a flat base for different body constructions, and the integrated modular architecture (IMA) allows for the standardization of key components like batteries and motors.
Photo by: Kia
This approach enables Kia to develop a PBV range that covers a broad segment spectrum and diverse usage requirements. To optimally tailor production conditions to the innovative vehicle concept, the brand has set up a special PBV plant (Hwaseong Evo Plant) at Kia Autoland Hwaseong in Korea.
The PV5 Passenger owes its spaciousness not only to its external dimensions (length 4,695 mm, width 1,895 mm, height 1,923 mm) but also primarily to the innovative platform. All occupants enjoy plenty of space and high seating comfort. Standard equipment includes cloth-leather combination seat covers (high-quality leather imitation), a reclining rear seatback, USB-C charging ports front and rear (in the backrests of the front seats), and numerous storage options and compartments.
Depending on the version and options, you can have high-quality imitation leather upholstery, seat heating front and rear (outer seats), and electrically adjustable and ventilated front seats. The standard sliding doors on both sides, available optionally with electric drive, and the very low entry thresholds (399 mm) ensure convenient access to the rear area.
The standard automatic climate control ensures good air quality. It features a fan delay that reduces condensation formation and thus prevents bacteria and odor development.
Photo by: Kia
The luggage compartment is also easily accessible thanks to the large, wide-opening tailgate, which is also available with electric operation. Even more impressive is its capacity, which can be expanded to up to 2,300 liters by folding down the asymmetrically split rear seatback (with roof-high loading, including the storage compartment in the luggage compartment floor).
If more transport capacity is needed, a roof rack can be attached to the standard mounting points (permissible roof load 100 kg/220 pounds). Additionally, the small electric bus has a capability that is anything but standard for electric vehicles: it can tow trailers weighing up to 1.5 tons (braked, with a 71.2-kWh battery; up to 750 kg with a 51.5-kWh battery).
The exterior color options include nine paint finishes: solid colors Snow White and Frost Blue, as well as six metallic shades and one pearl effect paint (all except Snow White available at an extra charge).
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Source: Alex Goy / InsideEVs
Depending on the version, side parking sensors and a surround-view camera are also available. Maneuvering is further facilitated by the small turning circle (11.0 meters/36 feet.)
The PV5 Passenger with a 71.2-kWh battery has a range of up to 400 kilometers/250 miles, generating up to 120 kW (163 hp) of power and 250 Nm (185 lb-ft) of torque, and accelerates to 100 km/h or 60 mph in 10.7 seconds.
The 51.5-kWh version can travel up to 288 kilometers (180 miles) on a single charge, delivers a maximum of 89 kW (122 hp; also 250 Nm), and reaches the 100 km/h mark in 12.8 seconds. The top speed for both versions is 135 kilometers per hour, or 84 mph.
Both batteries can be charged from 10 to 80% at a fast-charging station under optimal conditions in just 30 minutes.
Kia Charge ensures easy access to public charging stations in 27 European countries. With a single account, Kia’s charging service customers can use more than 170,000 charging points in Germany alone, which is 99 percent of all public chargers in the country. PV5 buyers receive special discounts at Kia Charge for the first twelve months.
Photo by: Kia
Kia pursues a holistic approach with its PBV strategy, providing customers with a complete ecosystem, including charging and software solutions, along with the vehicles. Each PV5 comes standard with the newly developed navigation and infotainment system, Pleos. It is based on Android Automotive OS (AAOS) and allows users to install specific applications that Kia will provide through its own app store.
Hyundai Motor Group’s Pleos software brand
Photo by: Hyundai
The system, featuring a 32.5-cm (12.8-inch) touchscreen, allows smartphones to be integrated wirelessly via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It also includes Kia Connect online services, offering real-time information and app-controlled remote functions. Thanks to over-the-air (OTA) capabilities, map and software updates can be conveniently performed without needing to take the vehicle to a dealer.
Kia EV Day 2025: Das Interieur des PV5 Passenger
Photo by: Kia
The Plus version expands the standard equipment with a V2L function (Vehicle-to-Load), allowing the operation of 220-volt devices via the socket between the front seats or, optionally, via an adapter over the charging port, as well as hardware preparation for V2X charging technologies (including V2H, V2G). Also standard here are front and rear seat heating (outer seats) as well as steering wheel heating, an inductive smartphone charging station, sliding windows in the rear, and a luggage compartment cover.
Kia EV Day 2025: Der PV5 Passenger
Photo by: Kia
Additionally, the top version offers a Digital Key 2.0. This allows the use of a smartphone or smartwatch as a car key, which makes accessing the vehicle and its use by multiple people particularly convenient.
Under the Kia AddGear label, a wide range of special accessory solutions will be available for both private and business use. The basis for this is the rails in the interior that include attachment points for the AddGear system, found in the front, rear, and luggage compartments. These can, for example, hold smartphone or tablet mounts and other items that should be easily accessible and within reach.
Kia EV Day 2025: Der PV5 WAV für alle, die einen Rollstuhl benutzen
Photo by: Kia
The applications of the PV5 Passenger will be significantly expanded with upcoming variants. The seven-seater (seating configuration 2-2-3) is designed for both families and professional users, the wheelchair-accessible WAV model (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, configuration 2-0-3) features a deployable side ramp, and a six-seater taxi version (configuration 1-2-3) offers additional space for luggage next to the driver.
The range of the PV5 Cargo transporter will also grow significantly. In addition to the long version with a normal height roof (L2H1) already available for order, the introduction of two more body variants is planned: a short version (L1H1) and a long version with a high roof (L2H2). Additionally, Kia will expand its PV5 portfolio with a chassis cab and factory modifications such as a “Crew Van.”
All in all, it seems to be an extremely compelling van option for Europe and other markets. The Chicken Tax may make it untenable for America, but perhaps Kia’s plans could change eventually.
