Kia just pulled back the curtain on its game-changing PV5 electric vehicle, and it’s not your average car. At their exclusive ‘Tech Day’ in Gwangmyeong, South Korea, the automaker revealed what might be the most customizable EV we’ve seen yet – a Swiss Army knife on wheels designed to transform how we think about personal and commercial transportation.
The production-ready PV5 represents Kia’s bold vision for purpose-built electric mobility. What makes it special? A revolutionary modular system that lets the same vehicle platform morph into 16 different configurations – from family haulers to delivery vans and even wheelchair-accessible transports. Imagine buying one vehicle that could be completely reconfigured as your needs change.
Under the hood (or more accurately, under the floor), Kia’s packed in some serious tech. Their integrated 120kW motor system combines three key components into one compact unit, while the battery options read like a menu at a tech buffet: two high-performance NCM options (71.2kWh or 51.5kWh) and a budget-friendly 43.3kWh LFP pack, all using CATL’s space-saving Cell-to-Pack technology. Kia assures these aren’t just powerful, but meet rigorous safety standards that would make even the most range-anxious EV buyer sleep better at night.
The real magic happens with the body. We’re talking seven core variants at launch, including a passenger model with three rows of seats, cargo versions that can swallow two standard pallets (up to 5,165 liters of space), and specialized configurations like a walk-through van. Clever touches abound – like the 369mm sliding door step height designed specifically for wheelchair users. It’s this attention to accessibility that sets the PV5 apart in the growing EV market.
Ryu Jae-cheon, Kia’s lead engineer on the project, can’t hide his excitement about the flexible body system – a first for Hyundai Motor Group. Despite its midsize footprint, the PV5 stretches its 2,995mm wheelbase to maximize every inch of interior space. Whether you’re hauling kids to soccer practice or packages across town, this EV adapts.
But Kia’s thinking bigger than just selling cars. Their innovative ‘Conversion Center’ concept invites third-party companies to create specialized versions using Kia’s base vehicle. It’s like an open platform for mobility innovation – imagine food trucks, mobile clinics, or even pop-up shops all built on the PV5 foundation.
As Kia Executive Vice President Joo puts it: “The PV5 isn’t just a vehicle – it’s a mobility platform with limitless expansion possibilities.” In an industry shifting from mass production to mass customization, Kia might have just built the most versatile electric canvas on the market. The question isn’t “what can the PV5 do?” but rather “what can’t it do?” – and we can’t wait to see how businesses and consumers answer that question when it hits the streets.
