Kia’s new PV5 electric van could be yours for less than £23,000

Kia has announced UK pricing and specification for its inaugural commercial vehicle offering in the UK. The new electric load-lugger, the PV5, is the debut act for a range of ‘Professional Business Vans’ (PBVs), beginning a range that will eventually grow to include a larger PV7 and PV9 before the end of the decade.

The PV5 will start in the UK from a highly competitive £27,645 – almost £7,000 cheaper than an entry-level VW ID Buzz Cargo. With the maximum £5,000 plug-in van grant, the PV5 will cost less than £23,000 for a base model.

Kia PV5 – design

It’s difficult to make what’s essentially a big box look stylish, but Kia’s definitely done the trick with the PV5. You’ll notice the lights first – swoopy LED daytime running lights seem to cascade down from the van’s A-pillars, while the actual headlights are neatly integrated just above the air intake.

There’s a black panel enclosing the upper half of the bonnet as well as the windscreen and windows, giving it a sort of Darth Vader’s visor effect, while the windowline kicks up between the front and rear doors to add some interest to the side of the vehicle.

Round the back, it’s very simple, but you get some neat-looking C-shaped taillights and split rear doors with an offset Kia badge. Open up and you’ll see an exceptionally low loading floor – Kia claims it’s the lowest of any alternative.

There’ll be several versions of the PV5 available, including the regular panel van, a crew cab, a chassis cab and five- or seven-seater passenger models. Launching initially with just one body length and roof height (L2 H1) a shorter (L1) model will launch in 2026, followed quickly by the long-wheelbase, high-roof (H2) model. Payloads are pretty limited regardless of version, though – the small battery model can carry a maximum of 790kg and the large battery model just 690kg.

All versions get the same dashboard design, which is extremely clean and minimalist. The squarish two-spoke steering wheel sits in front of a 7.5-inch digital instrument display, while the main infotainment screen is 12.9-inches across and powered by Google’s Android Automotive. Physical switchgear is kept to a minimum, though, with most of the functions controlled through the central screen.

Kia PV5 – batteries, motors and charging

Two battery sizes will be available. The entry-level 52kWh unit provides up to 181 miles of range in the panel van, and a larger 71kWh pack increases this to 247 miles. Power outputs are 120hp and 161hp respectively.

Those are competitive figures but not class-leading – the long-range ID Buzz Cargo can cover 201 and 277 miles on its small and large batteries respectively, and the new Renault Trafic E-Tech – unveiled to the public at the Commercial Vehicle Show just hours before the PV5 made its UK debut – promises up to 279 miles of range.

Fast charging at up to 150kW is possible – giving a 10-80% charge in less than 30 minutes.

Kia PV5 – pricing and release

The base model of the Kia PV5 cargo van will cost from £27,645 excluding VAT, and is eligible for the maximum plug-in van grant of £5,000. Opt for the long-range model and that goes up to £30,145, also ex-VAT. The ‘Essential’ model of the PV5 passenger van starts from £32,995 on-the-road.

The PV5 will be on sale by the middle of 2025, with deliveries towards the end of the year. More options in the range will follow in 2026, while the Kia commercial vehicle range will expand to include the larger PV7 by 2027 and the larger still PV9 ‘by the end of the decade’.

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