- Kia PV5 Cargo achieved a Guinness World Record for the greatest distance by an electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) on a single charge.
- Distance covered: 693.38 km (430.84 miles) with full payload under real-world driving conditions.
- Drivers: Journalist George Barrow and Hyundai engineer Christian Nigemeier.
- Result: Demonstrates Kia’s efficiency, engineering, and PBV platform innovation for future commercial EVs.
Kia has entered the Guinness World Records™ with its PV5 Cargo model, setting a new standard for electric light commercial vehicles. The vehicle travelled 693.38 km (430.84 miles) on a single charge while carrying its maximum payload, establishing a new global benchmark for all-electric range (AER) performance.
The record-setting journey, conducted north of Frankfurt, Germany, on 30 September 2025, highlights the efficiency and durability of Kia’s first Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) product.
Real-World Efficiency Under Load
The test route spanned a 58.2 km urban and extra-urban loop, including intersections, traffic lights, and elevation gains of around 370 meters—conditions replicating typical delivery and logistics operations. The PV5 Cargo completed 12 loops over 22 hours and 30 minutes, maintaining real-world driving parameters throughout.
Engineers noted that each additional 100 kg of payload reduces range by only 1.5%, showcasing the model’s robust design and efficiency for commercial use.
The Team Behind the Achievement
The record drive was conducted by George Barrow, a seasoned light commercial vehicle journalist and International Van of the Year juror, and Christian Nigemeier, a senior engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC).
Barrow described the achievement as “a demanding but unforgettable journey,” praising the PV5’s exceptional range and payload capability. Nigemeier added that the experience was “a friendly competition” to optimize every kilowatt-hour, ultimately proving the PV5’s engineering excellence.
Verification was performed by TÜV Hessen and buck Vermessung, ensuring compliance with Guinness World Records’ strict standards, including GPS tracking and cargo sealing prior to departure.
The First of Kia’s PBV Line
The PV5 represents Kia’s entry into modular, purpose-built electric mobility. Built on the E-GMP.S architecture, the van supports multiple configurations, including Cargo, Passenger, Crew Van, Chassis Cab, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, and light Camper variants.
The L2H1 Cargo version used for the record features:
- 71.2 kWh battery
- Up to 4.4 m³ load volume
- Payload capacity up to 790 kg
- Optional 51.5 kWh smaller battery variant
This milestone reinforces Kia’s commitment to innovation in the electric commercial vehicle market, delivering practical solutions that merge performance, versatility, and sustainability.
The record-breaking Kia PV5 Cargo will be showcased at Solutrans 2025 in Lyon, France (EurExpo, Hall 5, Booth C130) from 18 November 2025.
Sign up for our popular daily email to catch all the latest EV news!
