Kia PV5 Redefines Mobility Through Flexible Design and Innovative Solutions at Kia EV Day

Summary:

• The PV5 Passenger features a three-row seat configuration, which can be optimized for luggage or camping scenarios and has been developed with ride-hailing use cases in mind.
• The PV5 Cargo (High Roof) offers up to 5.1 m³ of capacity, with standard, long, and high-roof versions available. An optional L-track mounting system provides unprecedented flexibility, while V2L functionality improves efficiency.
• The PV5 Chassis Cab is supplied as an unfinished vehicle, with a shared cabin, which utilizes the front section of the PV5 Cargo. It has been developed to support a diverse range of conversion configurations, from Drop Side to Freezer Box models.

PV5 Passenger

The PV5 Passenger is equipped with the latest convenience features, allowing it to transition seamlessly between personal and business use.

These include passenger-level amenities, a spacious interior and cargo area, a lift-up tailgate, and fold-and-dive seating options. The vehicle’s open-source platform is designed to facilitate the installation and use of various accessories, significantly enhancing passenger convenience.

The PV5 Passenger’s interior is based on a three-row seat configuration which offers numerous usage possibilities. In its 2-3-0 layout, for example, the first and second rows are used for seating, and the third row is utilized as a spacious luggage area, complemented by a bottom luggage tray and side storage trays for optimal space utilization. 

In this set-up, the second-row seats’ reclining and folding capabilities, paired with a flat board, create an ideal setup for a weekend camping trip. In the 1-2-3 seat layout, the space to the right of the driver can serve as a multi-storage and luggage area. 

Throughout the development of its PBV business, Kia has collaborated with global partners to ensure the PV5 is as applicable to their use cases as possible. For example, collaboration with Uber from the early stages of PV5 development saw particular attention paid to the pain points of Uber users. As a result, the PV5 will be able to serve multiple use cases for riders and should be eligible for multiple Uber product categories. Additionally, Kia plans to engage in collaborative discussions to help drivers and fleet partners to learn more about the vehicles.

PV5 Cargo

The PV5 Cargo offers an extensive level of customer choice with three specifications: Standard, Long, and High-roof, with the High-roof also available in a Walk-Through version, making it the optimal choice for those in need of vehicles to enhance business efficiency. It offers a maximum cargo space of 5.1 m³, providing competitive cargo capacity compared with traditional CDVs (Car Derived Vans), and is capable of accommodating two Euro pallets. With a low cargo room step height of just 419mm, the PV5 Cargo additionally minimizes the burden of loading and unloading goods.

The Standard and Long specifications are designed with a typical two-seat passenger layout, with a three-seat layout optional. The High Roof specification includes an additional roof console as standard. In the two-seat layout, there is a unique Walk-Through specification offered as an option that features a sinking passenger seat and partition with a sliding door, providing easier access to the cargo area.

Kia’s designers have also taken a fresh, industry-transforming approach to the PV5 Cargo’s spacious load area. The optional L-track mounting system provides an unprecedented level of flexibility, like the versatile storage platform in the PV5 Passenger. This system can be installed throughout the cargo area, with two rows on each side of the cargo area, two rows along the headlining, and one row on the partition wall (available exclusively in the Walk-Through variant). The tracks accommodate sliding tie-down rings that can be positioned in various locations to secure cargo effectively.

The V2L functionality within the cargo area provides convenient power access, improving work efficiency, while Kia’s robust data collection and analysis capabilities comprehensively enhance the productivity of PV5 customers’ fleets.

This data-driven approach enables predictive maintenance, reduces accident rates and repair costs, and ensures quicker accident resolution and vehicle servicing, minimizing downtime. Kia collaborates with fleet management service providers to enhance the operating experience for PV5 customers by generating high-quality data, which is made available in API format for improved vehicle control and business outcomes.

PV5 Chassis Cab

The PV5 Chassis Cab has been developed to support a diverse range of conversion configurations. Designed to project a seamless, consistent visual flow along its length through details like a chamfered body, the Chassis Cab is supplied as an incomplete vehicle, with a shared cabin which utilizes the front section of the PV5 Cargo.

To the rear, a flat structure with side collision protection for the battery and additional mounting brackets for cargo body installations (deck, box, etc.) allows for maximum customization. Enhanced scalability for external devices is also provided.

Envisaged use cases for the PV5 Chassis Cab range from the Drop Side to Freezer Box models, with the vehicle’s 4,525mm length allowing room for a wide range of custom modifications.