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- Kia PV5 Cargo
Kia PV5 Cargo
- Drive Type: FWD
- Body Type: 3-door panel van: rear barn doors + sliding side door(s)
- Self Driving: Level 2
- Airbags: Yes
PROS
- First dedicated EV van platform from Kia, built ground-up rather than converted from ICE — and the reigning 2026 International Van of the Year
- Up to 416 km WLTP range on the Long Range pack, with a 30-minute 10–80% DC fast-charge time
- Competitive payload (up to 790 kg) and modular AddGear customisation at a lower starting price than the VW ID. Buzz Cargo
CONS
- Payload trails diesel rivals like the Ford E-Transit Custom and Peugeot e-Expert, both of which exceed 1,000 kg
- No confirmed African launch, pricing, or charging-network support — availability locally depends entirely on grey-market import
The Kia PV5 Cargo is Kia’s first dedicated all-electric light commercial van, built specifically for fleet and delivery use rather than adapted from a passenger model. It sits as the entry point of Kia’s new PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) commercial line, positioned below the larger PV7 and PV9 vans still in development. The van falls in the light commercial/S-van segment, runs front-wheel drive only, and is built on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP.S electric architecture rather than a converted ICE platform. Notably, the PV5 was named 2026 International Van of the Year, making it the first Kia van to win the award and the clearest signal yet that Kia intends to compete seriously in commercial EVs, not just passenger models.
Powertrain & Charging
The PV5 Cargo ships with two battery options: a 51.5 kWh Standard Range pack (89.4 kW motor) and a 71.2 kWh Long Range pack (120 kW motor, 250 Nm torque). WLTP-rated range tops out at 416 km on the Long Range version and roughly 296 km on the Standard Range pack — these are WLTP-cycle figures only; no CLTC equivalent exists since this is not a China-market vehicle. Charging runs on an 11 kW onboard AC rate, with a 150 kW DC peak that takes the battery from 10–80% in approximately 30 minutes under optimal conditions. A third battery option — a 43.3 kWh LFP pack — along with new L1H1 (short-wheelbase) and L2H2 (high-roof) body variants were shown at the Commercial Vehicle Show 2026 in Birmingham, but Kia has not yet confirmed pricing or full specs for these, so treat those figures as preview-stage until official confirmation.
Pricing, Fit & Context
UK pricing starts at £27,645 (excluding VAT) for the Essential/Standard Range grade, with the Long Range adding roughly £2,500 — at current exchange rates that’s a reference figure north of ₦50 million before VAT. Kia has not announced any African market launch, official pricing, or dealer support for the PV5 Cargo. Any unit reaching Nigeria, Kenya, or South Africa in the near term would come through grey-market import channels, with landed cost pushing well above the UK reference price once freight, duty, and clearing charges are factored in. This is a fleet and small-business tool, not a retail purchase — it suits last-mile delivery operators, logistics fleets, and service businesses needing a purpose-built EV van rather than individual commuters.
Within Kia’s own lineup, the PV5 Cargo sits alongside the EV5 and EV9 as part of Kia’s broader EV push, though it’s the only one built specifically for commercial cargo use. Externally, it competes with the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo and Ford E-Transit Custom, both established players in the electric van space. For direct spec-and-price comparison purposes, the ID. Buzz Cargo is the closest match and the natural benchmark reviewers keep returning to.
Kia PV5 Cargo Photos
Full Electric Vehicle Specifications
MODEL
| Full Model Name | Kia PV5 Cargo |
| Generation | 1st generation (new model) |
| Segment / Class | Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) / S-Van, electric cargo van |
| Available Trims / Variants | Essential, Plus (UK/EU); single "S Long Range" trim (Australia) |
| Powertrain Options | Standard Range (51.5 kWh) / Long Range (71.2 kWh); |
| Additional Notes | First model in Kia's PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) line. Standard body is L2H1; L1H1 (short wheelbase) and L2H2 (high roof) shown at CV Show 2026, |
LAUNCH
| Reveal Date | Progressive reveal through 2025; UK specs confirmed May 2025 |
| Launch Year | 2025 (UK pre-orders May 2025, deliveries late 2025); Australia from May 2026 |
| Availability Status | On sale: UK, Europe. Confirmed: Australia (May 2026). Not confirmed: North America, Africa |
| Brand / Manufacturer | Kia Corporation |
| Country of origin | South Korea |
| Markets Available | UK, Europe, Australia |
| Grey Market Import | Yes — no official African distribution; any Nigeria/Kenya/South Africa units would be grey-market |
| Base Price (USD) | ~$35,000 (UK Essential, Standard Range, excl. VAT) / ~$37,000 (Australia, Long Range only) — converted estimates |
| Additional Notes | Won 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY); Long Range variant holds a Guinness World Record for longest single-charge distance by an EV van with full payload |
BATTERY
| Battery Capacity | 51.5 kWh (Standard Range) / 71.2 kWh (Long Range); |
| Battery Chemistry | NCM (Standard/Long Range) |
| Battery Architecture | E-GMP.S dedicated EV platform |
| Range (WLTP/CLTC/EPA) | WLTP: ~296 km (Standard) / up to 416 km (Long Range). No CLTC or EPA figures — not sold in China or US |
| Energy Consumption | ~3.5–3.6 mi/kWh |
| Heat Pump | |
| AC Charging (Max kW) | 11 kW |
| DC Charging (Max kW) | 150 kW peak |
| Charging Time (10–80%) | ~30 minutes (DC, optimal conditions). AC 10–100%: 4h45m (Standard) / 6h (Long Range) |
| Battery Warranty | 8 years / 160,000 km (70% capacity guaranteed), extendable to 260,000 km |
PERFORMANCE
| Motor Type | Permanent magnet synchronous, front-mounted |
| Motor Configuration | Single front motor, FWD only |
| Front Motor Output (kW / HP) | 89.4 kW/120 hp (Standard) or 120 kW/161 hp (Long Range) |
| Rear Motor Output (kW / HP) | N/A — no rear motor |
| Rear Motor Width | N/A — no rear motor |
| Power Output (kW / hp) | 120 hp / 160–161 hp |
| Peak Power (kW / hp) | 120 hp / 160–161 hp |
| Torque (Nm) | 250 Nm (both variants) |
| 0–100 km/h / 0-60 mph (seconds) The acceleration numbers are an easy way to compare car performance. We list either time from 0 to 100 km/h or time from 0 to 60mph, depending on which number(s) the manufacturers provide. The lower the acceleration time, the higher performance the car is. | 16.2 sec (Standard, laden) / 12.4 sec (Long Range, laden) |
| Top Speed (km/h / mph) | 135 km/h (84 mph), limited |
| Transmission / Drive | Single-speed reduction gear, FWD |
| Rear-Wheel Steering | No |
| Drive Mode | regen via column paddles, one-pedal mode available |
| Launch Control | No |
| Overboost / Boost Mode | No |
BODY
| Body Style | 3-door panel van: rear barn doors + sliding side door(s) |
| Body Colour Options | Clear White confirmed (Australia) |
| Platform / Architecture | E-GMP.S |
| Dimensions (L×W×H mm) | ~4,695 × 1,895 × 1,820 mm (L2H1, approx.) |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 3,000 mm |
| Parking Brake | electronic typical for Kia EVs |
| Trunk/Boot Capacity (L) | Up to 4,420 L / 4.4 m³ (L2H1); 4.03 m³ |
| Roof Load (kg) | 100 kg |
| Towing Capacity (kg) | 750 kg, braked/unbraked |
| Payload Capacity (kg) | Up to 790 kg (Standard Range) / 690 kg (Long Range); 665 kg on twin-sliding-door config |
| Approach / Departure Angle | N/A (van body) |
| Sunroof | No |
| Aerodynamics | Active air flap, full underbody cover |
| Additional Notes | 419 mm low step-in height; flat-floor cargo area, 1,520 mm height (L2H1) |
SAFETY
| Airbags (count) | Yes |
| Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) | Yes |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | Yes |
| Traction Control System (TCS) | Yes |
| Structural Safety | Reinforced body structure, high-strength steel, dedicated battery protection |
| Child Seat Anchors (ISOFIX / LATCH) | N/A — 2-seat cargo layout |
| Reversing Camera | Yes |
| Night Vision | No |
| Driver Assistance (ADAS) | Yes |
| ADAS Features | Forward collision avoidance, lane keeping assist, safe exit warning, highway driving assist, speed limit assist, surround view monitoring |
| Sentinel / Perimeter Mode | No |
| Autonomous Driving Level | Level 2 (driver assistance only) |
| Aviation-Grade Redundancy | No |
COMFORT
| Seating Capacity | 2 (Cargo, at launch); 3-seat bench option confirmed for some 2026 variants |
| Power Seats | No (Essential); |
| Seat Heating | Available — Plus grade |
| Seat Ventilation | Available — Plus grade |
| Massage Function | No |
| Roof Type | Standard steel roof, no sunroof |
| Gear Selector | Column-mounted stalk |
| Bluetooth / Wi-Fi | Bluetooth: Yes. |
| Parking Aids | Parking sensors and reversing camera standard |
| Additional Notes | AddGear modular accessory system — factory-fit attachment points for hooks, bins, racks |
DISPLAYS
| Centre Screen (inches) | 12.9-inch |
| Driver's Display (inches) | 7.5-inch digital cluster |
| Head-Up Display (HUD) | No |
| Rear Passenger Screen | No |
| Rotatable / Adjustable Screen | No |
| Operating System | Android Automotive OS (built-in Google Maps, live traffic, voice control) |
| Voice Control | Yes (Google Assistant via Android Automotive OS) |
LIGHTING
| Headlight Type (LED/Matrix/Laser) | LED |
| High Beams | LED |
| Daytime Running Lights (DRL) | Yes — "Star Map" signature lighting into A-pillar |
| Tail Light Design | Vertical LED units |
| Underglow / Exterior Lighting | No |
| Additional Notes | Easy-swap bumper corners for serviceability |
INFOTAINMENT & AUDIO
| Navigation System | Built-in Google Maps with live traffic |
| Rear Entertainment | No |
| Gaming / App Store | Google Play Store access via Android Automotive OS |
| Car KTV | No |
TECHNOLOGY
| Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) | Yes — 230V three-pin socket in cargo area |
| Remote Parking | No |
| Automatic Parking | No |
| Face Recognition | No |
| Fingerprint Sensor | No |
| Smart Home Integration | No |
| AI Assistant | Google Assistant |
OWNERSHIP
| Official Dealer Network | UK, Europe, Australia; none in Africa |
| Spare Parts Availability | Official Kia dealers in launch markets only; |
| Import Duty Class | Varies by country — confirm locally |
| Grey Market Support | None — no factory warranty backing outside official Kia markets |
| Resale Value | Too new to assess |
| Insurance Category | Commercial/light goods vehicle class |
| Additional Notes | 8-year/160,000 km battery warranty confirmed; broader vehicle warranty terms referenced but not independently verified here |
Note
| Data Source | Kia.com (EU PBV pages), Kia UK Press Office, What Car?, Carwow, Electrifying, Zecar, Carsales.com.au, Clean Trucking |
| Last Updated | June 24, 2026 |
| Additional Notes | Spec sheet reflects UK/EU/Australia launch-market data; no African market data exists at time of writing |
| Editor's Note | No Nigerian, Kenyan, or South African distribution confirmed for the PV5 Cargo. All pricing is reference only — landed grey-market cost would run well above the figures listed once freight, duty, and clearing charges apply. |
Disclaimer Note
Specifications sourced from manufacturer data and may reflect WLTP, CLTC, or EPA test conditions. Import prices in your local are estimates based on grey-market landing costs and exclude duties, clearing fees, and local taxes. Figures are subject to change without notice. Always verify with your local importer before purchase. We can not guarantee that the information on this page is 100% correct
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