KIA’s innovative electric van
In a groundbreaking announcement at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), KIA unveiled its state-of-the-art electric vans, the PV1, PV5, and PV7. These electric vehicles (EVs) are part of KIA’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) family, a revolutionary step in the automotive industry that highlights the brand’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions and electric mobility.
Modularity: the core of KIA’s new EV
KIA’s new EV offers a unique feature: on-demand modularity. This concept allows the vehicle’s “life module” to be replaced, changing the vehicle’s core purpose. For example, you can turn a delivery van into a pickup truck or ride-hailing service vehicle. The PV5, which will be the first model to be introduced, will be available in a variety of formats including high roof, chassis cab, robotaxi, and pickup truck. The PV7, on the other hand, is larger and available with front-wheel drive (FWD) or rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the PV1 is his smaller FWD car.
Advanced features to enhance functionality
The PV Series electric van includes a built-in track system that facilitates loading and seamless movement of cargo from one vehicle to another. KIA is also promising features across multiple PBVs, including modular rail and cabinet systems and a software ecosystem for fleet managers. It also offers a variety of add-ons that further enhance the vehicle’s functionality and adaptability, such as “tiles” for mobile businesses.
Global partnerships and production planning
KIA also announced a global partnership with Uber, an important step in the company’s efforts to accommodate companies looking to go electric. A dedicated factory with an annual production capacity of 150,000 units is being built in South Korea, with the potential to expand to 300,000 units worldwide. The first model, the Kia PV5, is expected to go on sale in 2025 with an estimated price of around $35,000. Plans are in the works for larger and smaller versions, as well as a robotaxi version.
Revolutionizing the mobility industry
An integral part of KIA’s future strategy, the PBV business aims to revolutionize the mobility industry and advance Hyundai Motor Group’s ambitions in robotics, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and autonomous driving. PBV’s roadmap is divided into three phases, with the first phase introducing the Kia PV5, a multi-purpose EV. Phase 2 will complete the line-up of dedicated PBV models, and in Phase 3 he will evolve PBV into highly customizable and bespoke mobility solutions.
Future prospects
With plans to introduce different versions of the PV5, including basic van, high roof and chassis cab, KIA aims to increase versatility through extensive modularization. The company also plans to develop self-driving technology and work with partners to integrate it into the mobility ecosystem. In South Korea, a dedicated PBV factory with an annual production capacity of 150,000 units is scheduled to start operating in 2025, further strengthening KIA’s commitment to sustainable transportation solutions.