Global Recognition for Kia PV5
The Kia PV5, the company’s first dedicated all-electric Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), has earned major international accolades in its inaugural market year. These awards recognize the PV5’s safety, design, performance, and efficiency, solidifying Kia’s leadership in the electric light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment.
Key Highlights
- International Van of the Year (IVOTY) 2026: First Korean and Asian electric van to win this title.
- Safety Excellence: Achieved a five-star rating in the 2025 Euro NCAP Commercial Van Safety Assessment.
- Range Milestone: Set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for the longest distance driven by a fully loaded electric van on a single charge.
- Modular PBV Strategy: Demonstrates the flexibility of the E-GMP.S platform across cargo, passenger, and chassis cab applications.
Industry Honors and Strategic Impact
The PV5 also secured multiple “Van of the Year” titles in Europe from Electrifying.com, What Van?, and Parkers, with judges praising its refined electric driving experience and operational practicality. Kia was recognized as “EV Brand of the Year” at the 2026 Electrifying.com Awards.
The 2026 IVOTY panel, comprising 26 commercial vehicle journalists, highlighted the PV5’s modular architecture and real-world efficiency as key factors for its selection. These awards underscore Kia’s commitment to modern urban logistics and customer-focused fleet solutions.
Safety and Engineering Excellence
The PV5 achieved its five-star Euro NCAP rating through robust safety engineering, including:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) for vehicles and pedestrians.
- Lane Support System (LSS) to prevent unintended road departures.
- Speed Assistance System (SAS) integrating digital maps and cameras to monitor speed limits.
The vehicle features a multi-skeletal crash structure and ultra-high-tensile steel to protect the battery pack and occupants, ensuring durability across all variants.
Design and Efficiency Achievements
The PV5 WKNDR Concept earned the “Best of the Best” Red Dot Award for design excellence. Meanwhile, the PV5 Cargo achieved a record 693.38 km (430.84 miles) on a single charge while carrying maximum payload, using the 71.2 kWh Long Range battery, tested on public roads near Frankfurt, Germany.
Technical Specifications
- Battery Options: 51.5 kWh (Standard) and 71.2 kWh (Long Range)
- Motor Output: Up to 120 kW with 250 Nm torque
- Charging: 10% to 80% SOC in under 30 minutes via 150 kW DC fast charging
- Payload Capacity: Up to 790 kg, depending on configuration
The Kia PV5’s combination of innovative design, advanced safety, and efficient performance positions it as a benchmark in the growing electric commercial vehicle market.