Tell us about Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) concept?
Kia is disrupting the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market with an exciting range of purpose-built electric vehicles – PV5 concept, PV5 People Mover concept, PV5 High Roof concept and PV7 concept.
The introduction of the production version is planned for summer 2025.
Ideal for both B2B and private customers, Kia PBVs include advanced software solutions, over-the-air updates and best-in-class dimensions and loading capacities.
Kia has developed an innovative BEV platform specifically for LCVs that can be adapted to different wheelbase lengths, to easily accommodate a wide range of vehicle sizes and body types.
With impressive handling, power and acceleration, PBVs ranging from small to mid-sized to large dimensions perform brilliantly on the open road and in urban areas.
They feature best-in-class driveability and manoeuvrability, with a turning radius that makes it easy to park in tight spaces and move around in city centres.
Every PBV will be covered by a seven-year/150,000 km warranty.
Customers can also enjoy the unique user experience of the multi-tasking cockpit, AI-powered human-machine interface and multiple storage spaces. The cockpit is highly adaptable and can be easily turned into a mobile workspace when the vehicle is stationary.
What will be the best way for customers to charge the vehicles?
Kia PBVs will utilise the Kia Charge network that provides access to more than 780,000 charging points in 28 European countries. The IONITY network can also be used, with more than 4,100 charging points in 24 European countries. With ultra-fast charging, a PBV can charge from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes, enabling customers to charge the vehicle during a lunch break or while visiting a customer. Also, Kia PBVs will offer 22kW AC charging for better optimisation and lower costs, and fast charging of up to 150kW DC.
Supporting a streamlined charging process is Kia Plug & Charge, the one-step process with charging initiated by simply plugging in the charging cable. In addition, the Kia EV Route Planner finds the next available charging station and guides the vehicle straight there. Fleets can also take advantage of depot charging solutions, to charge a fleet of PBVs at the operator’s private hub or depot location.
Kia PBVs will also be V2L capable, making them mobile energy units able to power devices, tools, refrigeration units, emergency equipment and more. In the future customers can also exchange energy with the grid through the V2G ecosystem, to help optimise the vehicle’s total cost of ownership and contribute to sustainable electricity usage.
Describe Kia’s collaboration with Geotab as part of the launch of the new vehicles?
As part of the cooperation, Geotab will provide a white-label fleet management platform, a fleet manager app, a driver app, and in-vehicle infotainment integration for Kia PBVs. The partnership will also cover additional features, including advanced EV routing capabilities with automated charging stop recommendations and Digital Key 2.0.
It will also seamlessly integrate Kia Charge services, such as charging contracts and billing management, to enable fleet managers to view and manage all charging invoices based on different types of charging events such as public, home or depot charging.
How important is the launch of these new vehicles?
In order to disrupt the LCV market, an all-in approach is needed to maximise the benefits of a dedicated platform for a wide range of customers.
While this approach is not a first for electric passenger cars, it’s certainly the first time we see it for LCV. This is a benchmark moment, and our PBVs are set to deliver better accessibility, higher volumes, and lower running costs, to completely change logistics and mobility.
Marc Hedrich, President of Kia in Europe
