Wheelchair-accessible at the plant - Kia bets on barrier-free access for the PV5

The new PV5 WAV – the abbreviation stands for "Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle" – is based on the electric minibus PV5 Passenger and targets private users as well as taxi and shuttle operators. The focus is on an access concept that has been rarely found in the compact-van segment: Wheelchair users can access the vehicle from the sidewalk on the side via an extendable ramp directly into the vehicle. Especially in dense urban traffic, this should simplify getting in and out.

Wheelchair centered in the vehicle

Kia relies on a two-part telescopic ramp system. The maximum incline is 13.1 degrees; at a typical curb of 15 centimeters it reduces to eleven degrees. The wheelchair space is located centrally in the interior. This creates space for an accompanying person on the asymmetrically split rear bench seat, which can be folded up.

The interior follows a pragmatic concept. Reinforced floor structures are designed to withstand the daily demands of transport operations, and an integrated anchoring system secures the wheelchair during travel. Depending on needs, the PV5 can be configured in different ways: either with space for a wheelchair user and an accompanying person, or as a classic passenger transporter with up to five seats.

Vehicle concept that considers accessibility from the very beginning

The model is part of Kia's PBV strategy ("Platform Beyond Vehicle"), through which the manufacturer intends to expand into specialized mobility solutions. The PV5 WAV is produced according to the so-called "Made-In-Plant" principle. The conversions are carried out either directly on the regular production lines or in the company's own conversion center. Kia expects this to lead to uniform quality standards and more efficient production for European markets.