- 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 house and security
- Versatile Physique System permits as much as 16 variants by a building-block modular strategy
- Tailor-made for enterprise with related software program, expandable equipment, and an expert conversion technique enabling scalable lineup enlargement
- 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 the moment 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.
In keeping 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 growth at its core.
Held below the theme “Expertise 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 place to begin of a wholly new, revolutionary, versatile mobility ecosystem formed by actual buyer enter from day one,” stated Seokha Ju, Vice President and Head of MSV Venture Group 3 at R&D Division. “Our devoted PBV platform and conversion ecosystem show that Kia’s PBVs can adapt to nearly any want — redefining how folks and companies transfer.”
Buyer-led growth for max usability
Kia developed the PV5 by a PBV-exclusive course of that actively built-in buyer enter from the bottom up. Going past conventional buyer analysis, Kia straight 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 prospects 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 strategies straight formed key options — together with the elimination of the entrance passenger seat to develop cargo house, using stain-resistant supplies, and a ‘walk-through’ possibility on Excessive-Roof variations that permits occupants to maneuver between the cabin and cargo space with out exiting the car.
Kia additionally labored carefully with mobility-impaired customers to develop the PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Automobile), that includes a gentle-sloped side-entry ramp, common securing programs and a spacious low flooring — addressing accessibility wants typically ignored within the section.
These efforts had been pushed by Kia’s three core PBV growth methods: minimizing whole value of possession (TCO), delivering PBV-specialized growth 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 programs — together with batteries, motors, suspension and underbody buildings — to simplify growth. By rising the commonality of strategic modules, IMA helps horizontal deployment throughout car segments, considerably lowering growth time.
To maximise inside house, key Energy Electrical (PE) system elements are optimally organized inside the ‘PE room’, with the driving force’s seat additionally positioned additional ahead than in a typical MPV. A low flooring is made doable 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 significant elements.
Battery security is additional enhanced by 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 in opposition to bodily impacts.
Kia additionally designed E-GMP.S with serviceability in thoughts: modular brackets simplify upkeep, reducing the overall value of possession for fleet operators. Kia’s devoted PBV software program ecosystem — together with a fleet administration system (FMS) and Android Automotive-based infotainment — permits enterprise prospects to handle, monitor and replace their autos in actual time.
To scale back whole value of possession throughout all the car lifecycle, Kia optimized components sharing and tailor-made its battery and motor programs for particular use instances, enhancing general value competitiveness.
The PV5 is on the market 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 strategy launched for the primary time on the PV5. Impressed by a building-block-style meeting, this PBV-specialized expertise modularizes main elements comparable to physique buildings, doorways, tailgates, and each exterior and inside panels. This permits the versatile growth and manufacturing of various 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 will be flexibly swapped like puzzle items. This enables Kia to configure as much as 16 completely different PV5 variants utilizing only a handful of modular assemblies.
Initially, Kia provides seven base configurations, together with passenger (lengthy), cargo commonplace, cargo lengthy and cargo excessive roof fashions. Amongst them, the cargo lengthy variant is created based mostly on the cargo commonplace 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 will be custom-made 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 reinforce stiffness in each the rear-end and overhang extensions.
Even the outside styling has been engineered for effectivity. Two varieties 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 house, seamless modularity
With E-GMP.S and the Versatile Physique System working in tandem, the PV5 delivers best-in-class house and usefulness. Though its general size (4,495mm commonplace, 4,695mm lengthy) locations it within the C-segment, the PV5’s 2,995mm wheelbase and low-floor design maximize inside house and cargo capability.
Passenger variants supply as much as 3.6 m³ of cargo house 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 contains versatile seating layouts — comparable to 2-3-0, 2-2-3, and 1-2-3 — alongside cargo variants in commonplace, 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 kids and older adults.
Cargo lengthy fashions supply as much as 4.4 m³ of quantity, whereas Excessive Roof variants prolong to five.1 m³. The Excessive Roof additionally features a walk-through possibility 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 comparable to a luggage-flattening deck for tenting and a cargo-floor leveling package for big gadgets or pallets. Further sensible storage options embrace top-tray USB ports, flooring and door scuff trays, sliding heart trays and huge door pockets.
The PV5 additionally incorporates a PBV-specific infotainment system constructed on Android Automotive OS, supporting a variety of business-oriented options — together with the Pleos App Market, which permits using third-party apps, and devoted management of car physique features for conversion fashions. This method is paired with the open-source AddGear platform — which permits customers to connect equipment comparable to smartphone mounts, fee terminals or different enterprise instruments inside the cabin — in addition to roof mounting factors and L-Observe interfaces. Collectively, these type an expandable digital ecosystem tailor-made for enterprise prospects.
Further options embrace 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 Middle, 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 elements eliminated — comparable to seats and trim — and are available geared up 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 knowledge, manuals and a one-on-one technical hotline — enabling high-quality, licensed modifications worldwide.
Via this complete conversion system and scalable {hardware}, Kia permits prospects to implement tailor-made mobility options optimized for his or her each day operations and life.
Manufacturing begins – with extra to return
Mass manufacturing of the primary PV5 Passenger and Cargo Lengthy fashions begins this month, with extra variants to observe sequentially. Kia plans to develop its PBV lineup — with the PV7 becoming a member of in 2027 and the PV9 arriving in 2029 — providing bigger fashions to fulfill 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.
