- 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 via a building-block modular strategy
- Tailor-made for enterprise with related software program, expandable equipment, and knowledgeable 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 development
Kia Company held The Kia PV5 Tech Day at this time 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.
According to its international technique to supply 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 underneath 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,” mentioned Seokha Ju, Vice President and Head of MSV Challenge 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 folks and companies transfer.”
Buyer-led growth 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 purchasers 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 primarily based on real-world enterprise wants throughout mobility, logistics, supply and utilities.
These ideas instantly formed key options — together with the elimination of the entrance passenger seat to increase 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 intently with mobility-impaired customers to develop the PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Automobile), that includes a gentle-sloped side-entry ramp, common securing techniques and a spacious low flooring — addressing accessibility wants usually missed within the phase.
These efforts had been pushed by Kia’s three core PBV growth methods: minimizing whole price of possession (TCO), delivering PBV-specialized growth and constructing a scalable ecosystem throughout each {hardware} and software program.
Modular platform know-how 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 know-how, E-GMP.S options an Built-in Modular Structure (IMA) that standardizes advanced techniques — 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 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 potential by adopting a suspension structure optimized for this structure, whereas a multi-skeletal crash construction mixed with ultra-high-tensile metal parts supplies exemplary safety for occupants, cargo and important parts.
Battery security is additional enhanced via a bolstered 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, decreasing the whole 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 — permits enterprise clients to handle, monitor and replace their autos in actual time.
To scale back whole price of possession throughout your complete car lifecycle, Kia optimized elements sharing and tailor-made its battery and motor techniques for particular use instances, enhancing total price competitiveness.
The PV5 is offered with a alternative 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 know-how modularizes main parts 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 might be flexibly swapped like puzzle items. This enables Kia to configure as much as 16 totally different PV5 variants utilizing only a handful of modular assemblies.
Initially, Kia presents seven base configurations, together with passenger (lengthy), cargo normal, cargo lengthy and cargo excessive roof fashions. Amongst them, the cargo lengthy variant is created primarily based 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 might be custom-made by measurement, form and end to swimsuit totally different use instances and markets. The composite construction permits broken sections to be simply and affordably changed with out disassembling your complete 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 varieties 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 value. Though its total 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 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 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 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 giant gadgets or pallets. Further 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 spread of business-oriented options — together with the Pleos App Market, which permits using third-party apps, and devoted management of car physique capabilities for conversion fashions. This technique is paired with the open-source AddGear platform — which permits customers to connect equipment comparable to 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.
Further 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 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 parts eliminated — comparable to 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 provides 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 clients to implement tailor-made mobility options optimized for his or her day by 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 observe sequentially. Kia plans to increase 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 development, establishing a revolutionary and versatile mobility ecosystem formed by actual buyer wants and powered by software-driven innovation.
