Kia has officially launched its inaugural lineup of electric commercial vehicles, and confirmed the all-new Kia PV5 delivery van will go on sale in Australia in mid-2026.
So far only the Cargo van has been lock in for local release, but in other markets the Kia PV5 range will include two other body styles – the Passenger people mover and the Chassis Cab pickup truck.
The PV5 Cargo and Passenger are comparable in size to the Volkswagen Caddy SWB compact van and notably much shorter than the Toyota HiAce LWB mid-size van.
It’s the first dedicated model to be launched as part of Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) product strategy, which lays out the framework for modular, customisable electric commercial vehicles built to suit a wide array of business and personal needs.
The PV5 will be Kia’s second commercial vehicle after the Tasman ute, and will be followed by the PV7 in 2027 and then the PV9 in 2029, as Kia targets 250,000 PBV sales by 2030.
Kia’s first electric van will be available first in Korea before being rolled out to Europe “in the coming months”, followed by further global markets – including Australia – in 2026.
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Underpinning all PBV commercials is the Hyundai Motor Group’s first dedicated platform for such vehicles, known as the Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S).
This platform is built around a modular architecture and features standardised batteries, motors, suspension, and underbody structures, streamlining development and improving vehicle versatility. The PV5 will therefore be available with several different powertrain options, which vary depending on the body style.
The PV5 Passenger will be available with either 51.5kWh or 71.2kWh nickel cobalt manganese (NCM) batteries, the latter providing “up to 412km” of WLTP driving range in five-seat variants. Range for the smaller battery option has yet to be confirmed.
The PV5 Cargo adds a 43.3kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery to the mix, albeit with no confirmed range claim as yet. Cargo ‘Long’ models with the 71.2kWh NCM battery have a claimed WLTP range of “up to 416km”.
All launch powertrains produce 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque, with DC fast-charging from 10-80 per cent claimed to take 30 minutes. Powertrain specifications have yet to be confirmed for the Chassis Cab.
Both the Passenger and Cargo models measure 4695mm in length, which is significantly shorter than the HiAce LWB (5265mm) and Ford Transit Custom SWB (5050mm), but slightly longer than the Caddy SWB (4500mm).
They’re also 1895mm wide and 1923mm tall (1899mm without an antenna), and ride atop a 2995mm wheelbase. Cargo volume is quoted at 4m³ in standard Cargo variants, while an additional High Roof variant will also be available, offering walk-through construction and a cargo volume of 5.2m³ – large enough for two Euro pallets.
On the outside, the PV5 Passenger features a geometric design consistent with several other new Kia models, claimed to be capable of providing good visibility thanks to its large window area and “low beltline”. It also features sharp daytime running lights, bumper-integrated headlights, black wheel-arch cladding, and a single lift-up tailgate, similar to the current Hyundai Staria.
Kia says the cladding, three-piece front bumper, and discreet integrated headlights should make for easier and cheaper repairs, consistent across all body styles.
The PV5 Cargo, meanwhile, keeps the same basic exterior design but swaps out the Passenger’s rear windows for solid body panels. A key difference is its forklift-friendly rear barn door setup, which is optional on the Staria Load.
Inside, the PV5 is fitted with a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 7.5-inch digital instrument display.
The infotainment system is said to be ‘PBV-specific’ and based on Android software, providing “fleet management capabilities”, “third-party app integration”, and “dedicated control of vehicle body functions for conversion models”.
Kia says the PV5 was designed to accommodate “seamless conversions”, with donor vehicles pre-prepared for modification by removing non-essential components to allow certified conversion partners to fit any additional equipment easily. A Wheelchair Accessible Variant (WAV) has also been developed, featuring a side-entry ramp and low-floor layout.
A full suite of driver assistance systems will also be included, including highway driving assist, smart cruise control, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, and parking collision-avoidance assist.
The PV5 Cargo will be Kia Australia’s first commercial van since the Pregio in 2006, which was also available as a cab/chassis truck until 2004.
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