[Kia EV Day] Modular Vehicle 'PBV'... "Game Changer in the Commercial Vehicle Market"

11 Customizable Models with Modular Assembly
Low and Flat Chassis Floor for Easy Boarding
Collaboration with Over 100 Partners Including Uber

"Electric vehicles can grow rapidly in the commercial vehicle market. While individual consumers cannot be forced to purchase them, companies can quickly electrify their fleets driven by ESG transition needs. The PV5 will be a game changer in the commercial vehicle market." (Song Ho-sung, Kia CEO)

On the 24th (local time), Kia unveiled the world’s first purpose-built vehicle (PBV), 'The Kia PV5,' at the '2025 Kia EV Day' held at the Tarragona Arena in Spain. The PV5 is a so-called 'DIY commercial vehicle' that allows consumers to choose cargo and other options according to their needs.

Kia unveiled its first Purpose Built Vehicle (PBV), 'The Kia PV5,' for the first time in the world at the '2025 Kia EV Day' held at the Tarragona Arena in Spain on the 24th (local time). (Photo by Kia)

Applying the concept of an 'open box,' various modules (upper bodies) that consumers want can be applied. Kia also introduced the platform 'Kia AddGear,' which allows adding interior items like custom furniture, alongside the PV5.

Kia plans to launch 11 models by 2026, including five basic PV5 models and six conversion models. Consumers can choose according to various business environments. This wide range of expansion became possible because it is the first time Hyundai Motor Group applied the dedicated platform 'E-GMP.S.'

Sude Nipping, Kia Europe COO, said, "The PV5 is the first in the group to apply 'E-GMP.S,' a dedicated PBV version of Hyundai Motor Group’s dedicated EV platform 'E-GMP,' enabling various models with a skateboard-type architecture. We will provide customized vehicle experiences to business customers."

On the 24th (local time), Kia unveiled the world's first purpose-built vehicle (PBV), 'The Kia PV5,' at the '2025 Kia EV Day' held at the Tarragona Arena in Spain. (Photo by Kia)

E-GMP.S is a skateboard platform concept with a flat form, capable of supporting a wide product lineup from small to large PBVs. This allows a flat floor structure on the 2nd and 3rd rows and a low chassis floor design, making passenger boarding and cargo loading/unloading easier.

Along with the PBV launch, Kia supports software suitable for business operators, the main consumer group, including an infotainment system based on the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS) and an app market with various business-specialized apps.

Additionally, PBVs can receive over-the-air (OTA) software updates to modernize key vehicle functions, and connected vehicle data can improve operational management efficiency.

Kia PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) Model (Photo by Oh Hyung-gil)

The manufacturing method that can respond to diverse customer demands is also innovated. The PBV dedicated plant, 'Hwaseong Evo Plant,' combines conveyor and cell manufacturing methods to enable flexible and efficient production of small quantities of various models.

Conversion models that add special specifications to the basic PBV models are also offered. A 'Conversion Center' is established with conversion partners to reduce costs and unnecessary resource waste while producing high-quality conversion vehicles.

Kia plans to sequentially release the entire product lineup, including conversion models, by next year after introducing the basic models in Korea and Europe starting July this year. Conversion models include the 'Light Camper' with added leisure functions, the premium passenger model 'Prime,' and refrigerated/freezer trucks, all produced and guaranteed directly by Kia. Prices range from 30,000 to 35,000 euros (cargo models), approximately 44 to 52 million KRW.

Kia PV5 Interior View (Provided by Kia)

Kim Taek-gyun, Executive Director of Kia Design Operations, explained, "By adding new concepts to the PBV space, it can be expanded and transformed from a simple vehicle into a living room or office. It has become possible to diversify customer experiences with multifunctional spaces and meet the demands of various users with diverse layouts."

Kia aims to sell 250,000 units of the PV5 by 2030 and is collaborating with over 100 partners, including Uber, to expand the PBV business.

CEO Song emphasized, "Thanks to technological development, consumers personalize products to fit their lifestyles, but most car brands still operate from a supply-centered perspective. Electric vehicle technology is a core element of personalized mobility, and the PV5 is the starting point of this movement."