Kia Reveals New PV5 Chassis Cab

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Kia has significant ambitions for its modular Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) electric fleet lineup. Today, it unveiled its new variation of that platform, the PV5 Chassis Cab. The option was unleashed at the SOLUTRANS 2025 event in Lyon, France. This event may not be a household name to most of us, but it is reportedly “Europe’s leading trade show for innovations in the commercial vehicle industry,” per Kia, and I have no reason to doubt that.

Light commercial vehicles like this cover the streets of Europe, so I imagine Kia is quite excited and bullish about this launch. The model also offers a modern, sleek, high-tech look that must get eyes widening as potential purchasers spot it at SOLUTRANS or on the web today. From my perspective, it’s the coolest looking frontend for a vehicle like this that I’ve ever seen, and modernizes what is a common and useful but often outdated vehicle type.

As cities take up the charge of accelerating climate action — something that’s sorely needed as the EU waters down its commitments and bends to laggards and lobbyists — they need to be emboldened to make stronger zero-emissions transportation policies. Electric vehicles like this make that easier, and even open the door for it. The public sector does not operate in isolation from the private sector and how it’s progressing. Perhaps the PV5 Chassis Cab will help inspire more policymakers to push for and enact zero-emissions mandates and create more ZEV zones.

Naturally, no one knows the details of the PV5 Chassis Cab and its development like Kia does. So, I will just let Kia explain from here more details of the new vehicle option:

“Built on Kia’s PBV-dedicated E-GMP.S (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service), the PV5 was designed from inception for electrification, efficiency, and conversion flexibility. Depending on configuration, the sub-five-metre vehicle delivers up 1,005 kilogrammes of payload and up to eight cubic metres of cargo space with a High Box. This matches the capabilities of larger D-segment vans while still retaining compact dimensions and a 5.5-metre turning radius for urban manoeuvrability.

[…]

“Developed in collaboration with European converters, the PV5 Chassis Cab is the PV5’s most flexible variant, supporting a full range of professional conversions, including the Dropside for construction or farming equipment transport, the Tipper for municipal waste collection, three types of Box Vans for e-commerce parcel logistics, and Refrigerated Vans for grocery delivery.

[…]

“Kia is also presenting a real-world use case for the PV5. Converted into a food truck, the model will offer SOLUTRANS attendees speciality coffee beverages, as well as brioches aux pralines roses, a traditional pastry from Lyon.

[…]

“The PV5 Chassis Cab will be offered with two battery options: a 51.5-kWh battery available at launch and a long-range 71.2-kWh battery arriving in 2026. Electric range will vary depending on the vehicle’s conversion, but for reference, the recently launched L2H1 Cargo delivers up to 297 kilometres with the standard battery and 416 kilometres with the long-range battery (WLTP figures). DC fast charging of up to 150 kW enables a 10 to 80 per cent recharge in approximately 30 minutes to minimise downtime, while 22 kW AC charging will be available later.

“The structure incorporates a dual-annular steel exoskeleton and rear underrun protection device (RUPD), complemented by an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, including Smart Cruise Control 2 (SCC 2), Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2) with Hands-On Detection, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA).

“The PV5 Chassis Cab includes Kia’s industry-leading seven-year/150,000-kilometre warranty, extendable by up to 260,000 kilometres, with the battery covered separately for eight years.”

Sounds good, eh? A 7-year warranty, 8 for the battery. Plenty of range, fast charging. Great flexibility and connectivity. It looks like a good all-around package.

Here’s a bit more:

“At the centre of the DRIVE pillar is Kia’s Android OS Infotainment system, providing an always-connected driving interface. It supports AI Assistant, regular over-the-air (OTA) and dynamic map updates, and offers readiness for the PLEOS App Market, laying the foundation for in-car business applications. Drivers can manage and synchronise their profiles via a state-of-the-art 12.9-inch touchscreen, designed to enable smooth daily operations without distraction.

“Complementing the digital cockpit, Kia Drive for Business ensures that companies stay operational without downtime. Through Europe-wide rental and replacement services, business users can book vehicles online or via their Kia dealer. They can choose between daily rentals to cover peak demand and flexible monthly options as an alternative to leasing. With more than 150 locations in eight European markets, Kia Drive for Business enables fleet scaling with speed and flexibility.

[…]

“The Kia Charge Business service delivers a comprehensive charging network with access to more than one million AC, DC, and high-power charging points across over 30 European countries. With strong coverage along motorways and in urban areas, drivers can recharge conveniently while on the go.

“Public charging will be introduced through Deftpower’s SaaS platform, facilitating rapid and seamless integration with Kia’s offerings. Various subscription models are available for public charging, allowing customers to select the option that aligns most closely with their usage requirements. Additionally, Kia offers comprehensive home and depot charging solutions, coordinated and installed via a Europe-wide partner network. This ensures efficient charging processes during non-operational hours.”

Clearly, Kia has worked hard to make this work well for businesses, and planned a big, broad, appealing package of features and services.

“We worked closely with converters, fleet managers, and businesses to make the PV5 Chassis Cab a foundation for all possibilities,” said Sjoerd Knipping, Chief Operating Officer at Kia Europe. “It allows customers to create the utility vehicle they need today while being ready for tomorrow’s demands.”

“The launch of the PV5 Chassis Cab underscores our commitment to redefining what a light commercial vehicle can be,” added Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “It combines compact efficiency with the carrying capacity of larger vans to offer customers across Europe a responsible, flexible solution for daily operations.”

Much more can be read in the full Kia press release if you are interested. I will just end with the tech specifications table for the new model.