Kia presents competition for ID.Buzz and e-Sprinter
From 2025, Kia in the electric commercial vehicle sector. The Korean brand is showing its IAA Transportation in Hanover until September 22, 2024 Studies. To distinguish them from the brand’s electric cars, their names do not begin with “EV“, but with “PV”.
PV5 and PV7 are shown. While PV5 is in the territory of the VW ID.Buzz The PV7 seems to be in the 3.5-ton range (like the Mercedes e-Sprinter) to be located.
Conservative shape, striking front
Visually, Kia has recently stayed close to the studies, at least with its passenger cars. It should be no different with its commercial vehicles. The basic shape is very rectangular, typical of a van. At the front, the show cars have a striking, rectangular air intake. It is quite large, placed far down and is closed off by an element that appears to be floating.
Hidden above, also in this recess, are the headlights. The narrow daytime running light strips, on the other hand, are positioned further up. In the side view, the windows are noticeable, which are pulled down quite far.
Compared to the front, the design of the rear, here on the PV5 with high roof, is very unspectacular.
Image: Kia Motors
The vehicles in the new PV line will be available in several variants, with different wheelbases, roof heights and seat layouts. Kia also promises that the loading volume and height will be among the best in the segment.
Cockpit becomes a mobile office
The cockpit should also be able to be converted into a mobile work area when stationary. In the concept car, this means that the steering wheel can be folded away and the large infotainment screen is removable, meaning it can be used as a tablet. We don’t know whether Kia is planning to use both functions in the production version.
The interior of the study is extremely reduced or airy. Cameras replace the exterior mirrors.
Image: Kia Motors
But we do know a few other facts: the infotainment is based on Android, and the voice control is AI-supported, as is the case with many cars that are currently being introduced.
Charge in under 30 minutes
Kia is currently keeping a low profile on the drivetrain. All that has been revealed is that the PV fleet with up to 150 kW load can and you can Battery can be filled from ten to 80 percent in under half an hour. The cars will also be able to serve as a power source for external devices and feed power back into the grid.
Interestingly, the electric commercial vehicles will not only be available with different bodies. Kia is working with vehicle converters, among others. In addition to common conversions for delivering packages or for wheelchair-accessible mobility, a version for refrigerated transport is being worked on.
The PV7 appears to be in the 3.5-ton class. Here the light signature is higher than on the PV5.
Image: Kie Motors
The first electric commercial vehicle is to be presented in series production as early as summer 2025. This will probably be the PV5. Incidentally, Kia also promises a seven-year or 150,000-kilometer guarantee here.
With the PV line, Kia will not reinvent the commercial vehicle, but will enrich the segment with stylish models. Whether this venture will be a success depends not only on the looks. Loading capacity, drive and price will be more decisive here.
