Kia has unveiled early images of the production PV5, its first electric van which has been shown in passenger van and cargo van forms. The PV5 is the first model from the manufacturer to emerge from its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) product line-up, and will feature Kia’s EV technology as the brand prepares to offer the PV5 in several configurations.
First shown in these images as the PV5 Passenger and the PV5 Cargo, the names denote their intended purposes, and each features a slightly different design.
Both the Passenger and Cargo variants wear black geometric wheel arch cladding and rocker panels to be seen as in line with the brand’s SUV models and to “suggest an off-road character.” At the front, its black accents and lighting signature bring the brand’s visual identity, with the latter recalling the brand’s current models such as in the styling of DRLs on the EV9.
Between the two, the Passenger variant of the PV5 employs a single lift-up tailgate, whereas the PV5 Cargo features a pair of barn-door-style tailgate doors for improved ease of loading and unloading cargo. The PV5 Cargo also gets slightly boxier styling relative to the PV5 Passenger, aimed at implying its efficiency of space.
The PV5 Concept that was shown last year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) used a modified version of the manufacturer’s E-GMP platform, albeit closer to that used in the EV3 by employing a front-motor layout and 400-volt electrical architecture, rather than the 800-volt system of the EV6 and EV9. Another concept lifestyle show unit, the PV5 Wkndr was shown at SEMA last year, where it was given the off-road adventure aesthetic.
Another EV van that takes a similar, two-pronged approach is the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, which also offers passenger and cargo-ferrying versions, the former also offering a LWB derivative.
Kia has yet to reveal the technical specifications of the PV5 Passenger and PV5 Cargo, though further details on these will be released on February 24, the manufacturer has stated. This range of electric commercial vehicles will be joined by the PV1, PV3 and PV7 later on.
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