Kia has revealed further details of its new-generation electric van – offered as a people-mover or a commercial workhorse – including a 400km range.
Details of the 2026 Kia PV5 electric van have been announced, with a core three-model line-up including a choice of battery sizes rated for up to 400km driving range when it goes on sale later this year.
Having released only the exterior of the PV5, the car maker has now confirmed additional details of the three-tier line-up consisting of a Passenger, Cargo and Chassis Cab versions of its first electric van.
Kia Australia has told Drive it has put its hand up for the PV5 but has not yet locked the Ford E-Transit Custom and Volkswagen ID. Buzz/ID. Buzz Cargo competitor for local showrooms, which is expected here in 2026 at the earliest.
In joining the Kia Tasman ute due in Australian showrooms in the middle of 2025, the PV5 would also rival an unconfirmed battery-electric version of the Hyundai Staria which may be offered locally.
MORE: 2026 Kia PV5 revealed as electric Carnival alternative, Volkswagen ID. Buzz rival
The PV5 details were revealed at the 2025 Kia EV Day where the car maker showed the 2026 Kia EV4 – a rival to the Tesla Model 3 sedan and MG 4 hatch – which has been confirmed for Australia.
It also unveiled the EV2 electric city SUV concept as part of the event.
Pricing and more detailed model specifics for the PV5 are still to be announced ahead of production kick-off at a dedicated electric vehicle plant in South Korea in the second half of 2025.
The PV5 line-up will be powered by a 120kW/250Nm electric motor fitted to the front axle, with a choice of 51.5kWh and 71.2kWh NCM (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery packs.
MORE: 2025 Kia PV5 electric van shown in more detail – Spy photos
A third 43.3kWh LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery is also available exclusively on the Cargo version, giving commercial users three choices.
All three use a ‘cell to pack’ system where cells are integrated into the battery pack – instead of into modules – for better claimed energy density and efficiency.
Kia only offered details on the 71.2kWh battery, which it said offers up to 400km (WLTP) driving range with fast charging from between 10-80 per cent in 30 minutes.
The Ford E-Transit Custom has a claimed 377km (WLTP) maximum range, while the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo at 431km (WLTP) and regular ID. Buzz with 452km (WLTP).
Vehicle to Load (V2L) is also standard, enabling the PV5 to become a power source to charge various accessories and/or equipment.
In both Passenger and Cargo van body styles, the PV5 measures 4695mm long – shorter than the ID. Buzz, E-Transit Custom and Toyota Hiace – and is also narrower and lower at 1895mm wide and 1899mm tall.
It still offers competitive cabin space with its 2995 wheelbase (space between front and rear axles) – six millimetres longer than the SWB (short wheelbase) Volkswagen – with up to 5.1 cubic metres of load space in the Cargo High Roof version against 3.9 cubic metres in the ID. Buzz Cargo and 6.5 cubic metres in the E-Transit Custom.
The PV5 Chassis Cab is shorter again, at 4525mm, with the front section of the Cargo version mated to a flat structure with mounting brackets for further versatility.
Exterior colours for the PV5 include Soft Mint Gloss, Lakehouse Gray [sic] Gloss and Frost Blue Gloss, with the outside of the PV5 featuring sturdy wheel arches, lift-up tailgate with low (419mm) load floor for easy access.
While it sits on new Integrated Modular Architecture (IMA) ‘skateboard’ – enabling its various body styles – Kia says the PV5 interior is also modular in its design.
The exterior colour palette spills over to the cabin – including Deep Navy, Dove Gray, Espresso Brown, Terracotta Brown and Iceberg Green – where eco-friendly floor and seat materials are designed to be easy to clean as part of an ‘open box’ concept to maximise space.
A ‘driver zone’ includes storage compartments above and below the dash, where a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster works in conjunction with a 12.9-inch centre screen.
Kia says the design is otherwise minimalist to allow the driver to properly concentrate on the road ahead.
Further tech includes a digital key, while the PV5 uses the Android Automotive Operating System-based (AASO) in-vehicle entertainment including over the air (OTA) updates.
Kia describes the AAOS in-vehicle entertainment as ‘open source’, enabling a wider range of services for users.
The PV5 Passenger will offer configurable ‘fold and dive’ three-row seating– including reclinable second row seats, and removal of the seats for additional cargo space.
This includes the front passenger seat, which can be removed for a ‘1-2-3’ layout, while a flat board is designed for stowage for camping trips and getaways.
Further flexible cabin options include an ‘L-track’ mounting system – which can be fitted in row on the floor and headlining – to mount tie-down rings.
In 2024, Kia Australia boss Damien Meredith told Drive car makers had hit the ‘limit’ of early adopter customers.
Mr Meredith said the local arm of the brand looked to double electric vehicle sales in the coming years to meet the NVES (New Vehicle Efficiency Standard) introduced on January 1, 2025.
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