Kia's PV5 electric van was first shown as a concept at last year's CES. The production version has just arrived, and it looks almost the same. Shown here in Passenger and Cargo versions, the zero-emission workhorse retains its futuristic styling and adds plastic body cladding for a more rugged appearance. It has also gained chunky side mirrors and a huge charging port cap in the center of the front bumper.
Kia's ID.Buzz rival retains the concept's high-mounted angular LED daytime running lights, which double as turn signals. The main headlights sit much lower, flanking the charging port. A front-facing camera is mounted below the company logo, while the large radar sensor below the license plate is hard to miss. The Cargo version adopts twin side-opening tailgate doors, while the Passenger model features a single lift-up tailgate door.
Interior images have yet to be released, but we can tell the PV5 has separate screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment. There are chunky grab handles in the A-pillars of both versions, along with a generous greenhouse for the Passenger model. Kia plans additional derivatives of its electric van and other conversion options to fit different business and personal needs.
The midsize PV5 has been developed from the ground up as an EV, so it has nothing in common with the Carnival. It's part of a broader "Platform Beyond Vehicle" (PBV) family, which might grow to include an electric pickup, considering a conceptual truck was shown at the 2024 CES.
The reveal is scheduled for February 24, during the 2025 Kia EV Day in Tarragona, Spain. Three days later, the complete technical specifications will be released.
Source: Kia
