Kia Motors has launched its new commercial electric vehicle models, the PV5 cargo and passenger versions, built on the advanced E-GMP.S platform. This innovative vehicle not only aims to replace the demand for commercial minibuses and 1-ton trucks, represented by models like the Bongo and Starex, but it also offers the potential for expansion into various forms, including passenger vans.
The Kia PV5 has garnered significant attention even before its release due to its unique design and spacious interior. It goes beyond being a simple electric commercial van, offering excellent versatility that makes it a great alternative for weekend leisure activities, appealing to those looking for a cost-effective minivan or camper.
The flat electric vehicle platform offers significant advantages, allowing for the creative assembly of various vehicle types on a basic frame, much like building with Lego blocks. Kia defines the PV5 as a PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle), emphasizing its adaptability to customer needs.
The announced pricing indicates that the passenger model starts at approximately 4,709,000 KRW (around $3,500 USD) and goes up to 5,000,000 KRW (about $3,700 USD). The cargo model ranges from 4,200,000 KRW (approximately $3,100 USD) to 4,470,000 KRW (around $3,300 USD). With government subsidies for electric vehicles factored in, the actual purchase prices may vary by region, starting from the mid-20,000,000 KRW (around $18,700 USD) for cargo models and around 30,000,000 KRW (about $22,300 USD) for passenger models.
Given this pricing, the PV5 can effectively compete with commercial vehicles like the Bongo, Starex, and Porter, as well as the Hyundai Staria.
When examining the driving range, the PV5 cargo features a long-range model equipped with a 71.2 kWh battery, achieving a maximum range of 234 miles (377 km), while the standard model with a 51.5 kWh battery offers a range of 174 miles (280 km). As it’s not built on a large electric vehicle platform, its driving range may seem somewhat limited.
The PV5 passenger model operates solely as a long-range version, providing a driving range of 222 miles (358 km) on a single charge.
The interior features a neat design that is impressive for its price range of around 30,000,000 KRW (approximately $22,300 USD). It includes a large 12.9-inch display and an Android-based PBV-specific infotainment system, AAOS, allowing for the installation of various third-party apps.
For reference, the Pleo Fleet system integrates multiple vehicles for real-time management of vehicle conditions, driver analysis, and remote control without requiring separate terminal installations. This system is expected to help reduce operational costs in logistics, transportation, and taxi services.
The PV5 passenger model also includes genuine accessories tailored for leisure activities, such as a luggage flattening deck for camping enthusiasts and an LED tailgate lamp for nighttime activities. Furthermore, it offers customized products like the L-TRACK package to enhance cargo space usability and wheel housing cover storage to address wheel housing protrusions.
Kia Motors is launching tailored purchasing benefits and exclusive financing programs alongside the PV5 contract initiation. For example, the PV5 5-Zero installment plan allows customers to operate the vehicle without monthly payments for the first five months during a 60-month installment period, followed by 55 months of repayments at an annual interest rate of 4.8%.
The PV5 long-term installment plan offers reasonable rates of 5% for a 120-month payment term, easing the purchasing burden for customers. Additionally, it provides a subsidy of 300,000 KRW (around $220 USD) for small business owners to assist with charging costs. The warranty period includes 3 years or 60,000 km for passenger electric vehicles, 5 years or 100,000 km for powertrain components, 10 years or 160,000 km for EV-specific parts, and 10 years or 200,000 km for high-voltage batteries.
That wraps up the news on the Kia PV5. With its competitive pricing and financing options, we can expect to see this vehicle not only in the commercial van market but also on the roads for personal leisure use in the near future.
