- Kia PV5 makes use of Hyundai Motor Group’s new Platform Past Automobile (PBV) structure, the Electrical-World Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), to optimize area and security
- Versatile Physique System allows as much as 16 variants via a building-block modular method
- Tailor-made for enterprise with linked software program, expandable equipment, and an expert conversion technique enabling scalable lineup growth
- Formed by actual buyer enter to ship most practicality and seamless conversions
- Kia PV5 marks the start of Kia’s long-term technique to place PBVs as a key driver of sustainable progress
Kia Company held The Kia PV5 Tech Day at present on the IVEX Studio in Gwangmyeong, unveiling the event story, core idea and next-generation applied sciences behind its first devoted Platform Past Automobile (PBV), the Kia PV5.
Consistent with its international technique to offer sustainable mobility options for all, Kia is setting a brand new benchmark for the quickly evolving PBV market with the PV5, which is now transferring into mass manufacturing with next-generation platform engineering and customer-led product improvement at its core.
Held underneath the theme “Know-how that adapts, mobility that expands”, the occasion showcased Kia’s technique to ship versatile, future-ready mobility options that transcend conventional business autos — strengthening its place as a pacesetter in sustainable, customer-driven innovation.
“The Kia PV5 is greater than a car – it’s the start line of a wholly new, revolutionary, versatile mobility ecosystem formed by actual buyer enter from day one,” mentioned Seokha Ju, Vice President and Head of MSV Mission Group 3 at R&D Division. “Our devoted PBV platform and conversion ecosystem show that Kia’s PBVs can adapt to virtually any want — redefining how individuals and companies transfer.”
Buyer-led improvement for optimum usability
Kia developed the PV5 via a PBV-exclusive course of that actively built-in buyer enter from the bottom up. Going past conventional buyer analysis, Kia instantly collaborated with international enterprise shoppers in shaping each the {hardware} and software program of the car.
As a part of this initiative, Kia hosted PBV Companions Day in 2022 and 2023, gathering over 120 clients from Korea, Europe, North America, the Center East and Japan. These companions contributed hands-on suggestions based mostly on real-world enterprise wants throughout mobility, logistics, supply and utilities.
These recommendations instantly formed key options — together with the elimination of the entrance passenger seat to broaden cargo area, using stain-resistant supplies, and a ‘walk-through’ choice on Excessive-Roof variations that enables occupants to maneuver between the cabin and cargo space with out exiting the car.
Kia additionally labored intently with mobility-impaired customers to develop the PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Automobile), that includes a gentle-sloped side-entry ramp, common securing methods and a spacious low flooring — addressing accessibility wants typically neglected within the phase.
These efforts have been pushed by Kia’s three core PBV improvement methods: minimizing complete price of possession (TCO), delivering PBV-specialized improvement and constructing a scalable ecosystem throughout each {hardware} and software program.
Modular platform expertise for adaptable efficiency
On the coronary heart of the PV5 is Hyundai Motor Group’s (HMG) first devoted PBV platform — the Electrical-World Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S). Constructing on the Group’s confirmed E-GMP EV expertise, E-GMP.S options an Built-in Modular Structure (IMA) that standardizes complicated methods — together with batteries, motors, suspension and underbody buildings — to simplify improvement. By rising the commonality of strategic modules, IMA helps horizontal deployment throughout car segments, considerably lowering improvement time.
To maximise inside area, key Energy Electrical (PE) system parts are optimally organized throughout the ‘PE room’, with the motive force’s seat additionally positioned additional ahead than in a typical MPV. A low flooring is made attainable by adopting a suspension format optimized for this structure, whereas a multi-skeletal crash construction mixed with ultra-high-tensile metal parts gives exemplary safety for occupants, cargo and demanding parts.
Battery security is additional enhanced via a strengthened entrance subframe, elevated floor clearance for improved safety throughout assorted driving situations and wider buffer zones between the battery pack and the car physique to guard towards bodily impacts.
Kia additionally designed E-GMP.S with serviceability in thoughts: modular brackets simplify upkeep, reducing the overall price of possession for fleet operators. Kia’s devoted PBV software program ecosystem — together with a fleet administration system (FMS) and Android Automotive-based infotainment — allows enterprise clients to handle, monitor and replace their autos in actual time.
To scale back complete price of possession throughout all the car lifecycle, Kia optimized elements sharing and tailor-made its battery and motor methods for particular use instances, enhancing general price competitiveness.
The PV5 is offered with a selection of three battery configurations: a 43.3 kWh LFP pack, a 51.5 kWh NCM pack and a 71.2 kWh NCM pack — all paired with a 120 kW electrical motor producing 250 Nm of torque.
Versatile Physique System: building-block modularity for real-world versatility
Kia’s Versatile Physique System is a groundbreaking new design and manufacturing method launched for the primary time on the PV5. Impressed by a building-block-style meeting, this PBV-specialized expertise modularizes main parts resembling physique buildings, doorways, tailgates, and each exterior and inside panels. This allows the versatile improvement and manufacturing of numerous car configurations, whereas enhancing each design versatility and manufacturing effectivity.
The entrance cabin and first-row construction are standardized throughout all PV5 variants, whereas rear-end modules, quarter glass, and roof top may be flexibly swapped like puzzle items. This permits Kia to configure as much as 16 completely different PV5 variants utilizing only a handful of modular assemblies.
Initially, Kia affords seven base configurations, together with passenger (lengthy), cargo normal, cargo lengthy and cargo excessive roof fashions. Amongst them, the cargo lengthy variant is created based mostly on the cargo normal mannequin: by transferring the rear overhang module to the again of the platform and inserting a long-body module. That very same long-body base can simply be transformed right into a passenger mannequin by swapping the quarter glass and tailgate fashions — demonstrating the system’s effectivity and cross-compatibility.
To additional improve physique flexibility, structural integrity and repairability, Kia has additionally launched dual-layer plastic composite rear garnishes with a three-piece design. These may be personalized by dimension, form and end to swimsuit completely different use instances and markets. The composite construction permits broken sections to be simply and affordably changed with out disassembling all the rear physique panel.
For improved chassis sturdiness and noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) efficiency, a ring-type exoskeletal body reinforces the rear of the car, whereas Lengthy Physique variants obtain an prolonged dual-ring exoskeletal construction to boost stiffness in each the rear-end and overhang extensions.
Even the outside styling has been engineered for effectivity. Two sorts of stamped metal panels are used, relying on the second row sliding door and quarter glass configurations. Each panel sorts are shared throughout a number of variants, streamlining manufacturing whereas nonetheless providing distinctive design.
Versatile area, seamless modularity
With E-GMP.S and the Versatile Physique System working in tandem, the PV5 delivers best-in-class area and usefulness. Though its general size (4,495mm normal, 4,695mm lengthy) locations it within the C-segment, the PV5’s 2,995mm wheelbase and low-floor design maximize inside area and cargo capability.
Passenger variants supply as much as 3.6 m³ of cargo area with the second-row seats folded, delivering mid-size van practicality inside a compact footprint. Regardless of its lengthy wheelbase, the PV5 maintains a compact 5.5-meter turning radius for simple maneuverability in tight city environments.
The PV5 portfolio consists of versatile seating layouts — resembling 2-3-0, 2-2-3, and 1-2-3 — alongside cargo variants in normal, lengthy, and excessive roof codecs. Step heights of simply 399mm on the sliding door and 419mm on the tailgate, mixed with the low-floor design, allow straightforward second-row entry for all passengers, together with youngsters and older adults.
Cargo lengthy fashions supply as much as 4.4 m³ of quantity, whereas Excessive Roof variants lengthen to five.1 m³. The Excessive Roof additionally features a walk-through choice with a partition sliding door and a pop-up passenger seat, permitting motion between the cabin and cargo space with out exiting the car.
Kia Real Equipment additional improve usability, with choices resembling a luggage-flattening deck for tenting and a cargo-floor leveling equipment for giant gadgets or pallets. Extra good storage options embody top-tray USB ports, flooring and door scuff trays, sliding middle trays and huge door pockets.
The PV5 additionally includes a PBV-specific infotainment system constructed on Android Automotive OS, supporting a variety of business-oriented options — together with the Pleos App Market, which allows using third-party apps, and devoted management of auto physique capabilities for conversion fashions. This technique is paired with the open-source AddGear platform — which permits customers to connect equipment resembling smartphone mounts, cost terminals or different enterprise instruments throughout the cabin — in addition to roof mounting factors and L-Monitor interfaces. Collectively, these type an expandable digital ecosystem tailor-made for enterprise clients.
Extra options embody Kia’s second-generation pedal misapplication prevention system and walk-away auto door locking for added comfort and security.
Conversion-ready by design
Past its base fashions, the PV5 was designed from day one to allow seamless conversions. The brand new PBV Conversion Heart, launching on the time of manufacturing, will supply factory-quality conversions constructed to the identical sturdiness and security requirements as Kia’s core lineup.
Donor fashions are pre-prepped with non-essential parts eliminated — resembling seats and trim — and are available outfitted with energy provide factors, PBV-specific management models and infotainment compatibility. This simplifies integration for conversion companions.
Kia’s Conversion Portal System offers international companions safe entry to technical information, manuals and a one-on-one technical hotline — enabling high-quality, licensed modifications worldwide.
Via this complete conversion system and scalable {hardware}, Kia allows clients to implement tailor-made mobility options optimized for his or her every day operations and existence.
Manufacturing begins – with extra to come back
Mass manufacturing of the primary PV5 Passenger and Cargo Lengthy fashions begins this month, with further variants to comply with sequentially. Kia plans to broaden its PBV lineup — with the PV7 becoming a member of in 2027 and the PV9 arriving in 2029 — providing bigger fashions to satisfy a broader vary of enterprise and life-style wants.
These fashions replicate Kia’s long-term technique to PBVs as a key driver of sustainable progress, establishing a revolutionary and versatile mobility ecosystem formed by actual buyer wants and powered by software-driven innovation.
