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Kia's new electric minibus PV5: Plenty of space, clear design, flexible use – and also as a taxi
The PV5 is the first passenger car model that Kia brings to the road based on its new PBV strategy ("Platform Beyond Vehicle"). Behind the somewhat cumbersome name lies a flexible vehicle concept that can be adapted for various purposes – initially as a five-seater, and in the future also as a seven-seater, taxi, or wheelchair-accessible variant. The starting price for the basic model is 38,290 euros.
With a length of 4.70 meters and a height of around 1.92 meters, the PV5 falls somewhere between a van and a small transporter. The design is angular, functional – but not loveless. Kia calls the style "Opposites United" – united opposites. The body emphasizes robustness, mainly through black plastic elements on the sills and bumpers. The front is clearly structured, the interior bright and spacious.
Comfortably Functional
The interior is functionally designed but by no means spartan. Even the basic equipment includes seat covers made of a fabric-leather combination, an automatic air conditioning system, an infotainment system with a 12.8-inch touchscreen, and numerous storage options. The rear seat can be reclined, and for those needing more cargo space, the seats can be folded down – up to 2,300 liters are then available. Entry is convenient thanks to the low door sill, and the electrified tailgate also opens wide.
Technically, the PV5 is based on a variant of Kia's E-GMP electric platform, which has been further developed for this commercial vehicle line. The flat vehicle floor creates space, also for the specially planned future expansions. The minibus is produced in a newly constructed plant in Hwaseong, Korea.
Two Batteries, Two Philosophies
There are two battery sizes available for the drive: 51.5 kWh for up to 288 kilometers of range and 71.2 kWh for a maximum of 400 kilometers. The stronger variant has an output of 120 kW (163 hp), while the smaller one has 89 kW (122 hp). Both deliver a torque of 250 Newton meters. The acceleration values are solid, and the top speed is 135 km/h – a sufficient value in this segment.
Noteworthy is the fast-charging capability: Under optimal conditions, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in 30 minutes. This keeps the PV5 viable for longer distances – provided you find a powerful charging station.
Equipment with a Sense of Proportion
The equipment also shows that Kia sees its PV5 as an everyday partner. The base version already includes LED headlights, parking sensors, rearview camera, a digital instrument cluster, electric windows, rain sensor, smart key, and a battery preheating system. The next higher variant "Plus" adds, among other things, front and rear seat heating, steering wheel heating, and an inductive smartphone charging pad. In the top "Elite" trim, electrically adjustable seats, a 360-degree camera, and additional assistants such as an active blind spot warning system are added.
Also part of the package: seven airbags and a comprehensive assistance system, including a highway assistant, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking system with turn recognition. A special feature is the standard integration of Android Automotive OS, which allows apps to be installed directly in the vehicle. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also onboard – wirelessly.
Towing Capacity and Sockets
A detail that should interest commercial users in particular: The PV5 can tow trailers. The smaller battery version can tow up to 750 kilograms, while the larger version can handle up to 1.5 tons – braked, mind you. A 220-volt socket is also available. This "Vehicle-to-Load" function allows the charging or operation of external devices directly from the car.
The digital key system (optional in the top variant) is also practical, allowing use by multiple people via smartphone or smartwatch. Kia also offers customized accessories, which are attached via modular rails in the vehicle – from a tablet holder to a toolbox. The accessory line is called "Kia AddGear" and is explicitly aimed at both private and professional users.
Outlook
The market launch of the PV5 Passenger will take place in mid-November, and the vehicle can already be ordered. Kia intends to rapidly expand the model portfolio: In addition to further variants of the PV5, new body styles of the van model PV5 Cargo are also set to appear – including a high roof version and a chassis cab.
With the PV5, Kia positions itself in a segment previously dominated by established manufacturers like VW, Mercedes, or Stellantis. The Korean carmaker relies less on prestige and more on practicality and technical reliability. This could pay off – especially at a time when flexibility and cost-efficiency are becoming increasingly important. And Kia has already made the commitment to also offer the PV5 as a taxi.
Kia PV5 Passenger at a Glance:
Vehicle Type: Electric Minibus (Five-seater), more variants to follow
Length/Width/Height: 4,695 / 1,895 / 1,923 mm
Drive: Front motor, two battery sizes (51.5 kWh / 71.2 kWh)
Range: up to 400 km
Power: 89 kW / 122 hp or 120 kW / 163 hp
Cargo Capacity: up to 2,300 liters of luggage volume
Towing Capacity: up to 1.5 tons (braked)
Price: from 38,290 euros
Warranty: 7 years on the vehicle, 8 years on the battery
A vehicle for many requirements – also as a taxi or inclusion taxi
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