Kia will make a significant move into the UK commercial vehicle market with the debut of its first fully electric van, the PV5, at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Show (CV Show) in April.
First shown at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in 2024, Kia’s range of PBVs has undergone some rebranding. Initially standing for “Platform Beyond Vehicle” and then “Purpose Built Vehicle”, the UK market will see a third renaming that better reflects British expectations: Professional Business Vans.
Alongside updating the van’s etymology, Kia will provide the first details on the mid-sized PV5’s specifications and features. Positioned as a mid-size electric van aimed at a wide range of industries, from delivery services to utilities and even ride-hailing, the PV5 is built on a dedicated platform offering three configurations: a traditional panel van, a versatile chassis cab and a passenger variant.
“This is an incredibly exciting time for Kia, as we build an entirely new commercial business to deliver world-class electric vans to UK customers,” explains Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia UK. “Our first electric van, the PV5, arrives at an important time for the UK, amid an unprecedented transition towards electric power across both the car and van markets.”
The CV Show will also see Kia provide an overview of its commercial vehicle strategy in the UK, including establishing dedicated Kia van centres across the country.
“Our strategy is to approach the market confidently but responsibly, launching in a phased and progressive manner to ensure each element of our commercial vehicle business is exacted with the same industry-leading standards we’re known for in the passenger car industry,” added Philpott.
Some details of the support package backing the PV5, and its PV3 and PV7 siblings expected to arrive by 2028, have already been announced.
Modern fleet-management technology will be available thanks to a partnership with Geotab. Fleet managers and drivers will be able to tailor the van’s central dashboard display to meet specific requirements, with apps available directly from the Android app store.
As with Kia’s cars, the PV5 will feature the company’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty as standard.
“We are confident that our new LCV range will help businesses across the country achieve their carbon reduction goals while importantly never compromising logistical requirements,” finished Philpott. “We invite all van operators, users and drivers to come along to the show to see the Kia PV5 for themselves and learn more about how we’ll deliver Kia Professional Business Vans.”
The CV Show
runs at Birmingham’s NEC from 29 April until 1 May.
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