Kia confirms UK specification and line-up for new PV5 electric van
Kia has officially revealed the UK line-up of its first purpose-built electric van, the Kia PV5. Designed from the ground up as a zero-emission commercial vehicle, the PV5 combines serious practicality with modern design, competitive pricing, and the backing of Kia’s industry-leading warranty. It’s set to become a major new player in the eLCV market—and one that fleet operators and business drivers should have firmly on their radar.
The Kia PV5 electric van will be available in three core commercial versions: Cargo, Crew, and Chassis Cab, alongside the PV5 Passenger. A wider commercial range, including additional body heights and lengths, is scheduled to follow in 2026.
Unlike many electric vans adapted from existing diesel models, the PV5 is a clean-sheet EV. It’s built on Kia’s new modular commercial vehicle platform (E-GMP.S) and produced at a cutting-edge EV-only plant in South Korea. The result is a van that makes smart use of space, offers highly competitive range and payload capabilities, and supports the high uptime demanded by today’s fleets.
At launch, buyers will have a choice of standard (51.5kWh) or long-range (71.2kWh) battery packs, available on Cargo and Chassis Cab versions. All PV5 models come with a single electric motor driving the front wheels, delivering 250Nm of torque and the smooth power delivery that makes EVs ideal for stop and start urban work.
Fleet operators will appreciate the fast turnaround times at charging stations—DC rapid charging can deliver a 10–80% top-up in under 30 minutes using a 150kW charger.
The Cargo variant will lead the UK roll-out. It offers up to 247 miles of WLTP range, 4.4 cubic metres of load space (enough for two euro-pallets), and a payload capacity of up to 790kg, depending on configuration. Loading is straightforward thanks to dual sliding side doors and rear barn doors, plus a low floor height of just 419mm.
Fleet operators will appreciate the fast turnaround times at charging stations—DC rapid charging can deliver a 10–80% top-up in under 30 minutes using a 150kW charger.
An electric van with versatility
The PV5 Crew model combines seating for five with a flexible cargo area of up to 3.7 cubic metres. A movable bulkhead and second-row sliding seats allow drivers to switch between crew and cargo depending on the day’s workload.
The Chassis Cab version offers an open platform for bespoke conversions. It supports a payload of up to 995kg, making it ideal for tradespeople, local authorities, and last-mile delivery businesses needing customised bodies—from tippers to refrigerated boxes.
Trim levels are split into ‘Essential’ and ‘Plus’ grades. Even entry-level models are well-equipped, with wireless smartphone connectivity, a 12.9-inch touchscreen running Android Automotive OS, LED lights, smart key entry, and a 7.5-inch digital driver display.
Step up to the ‘Plus’ grade and you get added comfort and utility features, including heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless phone charging, and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability for powering tools or appliances on-site. A full suite of driver assistance systems is also available, including blind spot collision avoidance and rear cross-traffic alerts.
Costs and grants available
Prices for the Kia PV5 Cargo start from £27,645 +VAT (after the UK Government’s Plug-in Van Grant). Crew and Chassis Cab pricing will be announced later in 2025.
All versions come with Kia’s 7-year / 100,000-mile vehicle warranty, as well as 8 years / 100,000 miles of coverage for the high-voltage battery, giving fleet operators long-term confidence in their investment.
Running costs are expected to be significantly lower than diesel equivalents, especially when factoring in electricity tariffs, maintenance, and exemption from clean air zone charges.
What’s next for Kia’s electric van family?
The PV5 marks the beginning of Kia’s push into the commercial EV space. A larger PV7 van is already in development, due in 2027, followed by a flagship PV9 model targeting high-capacity logistics in 2029.
The Kia PV5 is a promising new option for businesses seeking a clean, capable, and future-ready van—and it's arriving just as fleet electrification is accelerating. The team at DriveElectric are excited for the PV5 to arrive in the UK and looks forward to putting it to the test on real-world roads, where its electric credentials and practicality can be fully explored.
It's a smart, well-rounded electric van that could compete with the likes of the Ford E-Transit Custom and Vauxhall Vivaro Electric. Its modular design, practical range, and broad spec options make it a great new choice for electric fleet buyers in 2025.
