Kia introduced the PV5 Chassis Cab at SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyon, France, marking the manufacturer’s entry into the fully electric dedicated chassis cab segment. The vehicle expands Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy with a modular design developed in collaboration with European converters for commercial applications.
Highlights
- Compact design with commercial capacity: Sub-five-metre platform delivers payloads up to 1,005 kg and cargo space up to eight cubic metres while maintaining a 5.5-metre turning radius
- Dual battery configuration: Standard 51.5 kWh battery available at launch with 71.2 kWh long-range option arriving in 2026, offering estimated ranges of 297 km and 416 km respectively
- Multiple conversion options: Chassis cab supports Dropside, Tipper, Box Van, and Refrigerated Van configurations co-developed with European converters
- Integrated business ecosystem: New Kia Business Solutions platform combines fleet management, charging access to over one million European charge points, and connectivity services
Platform and Specifications
The PV5 Chassis Cab utilizes Kia’s E-GMP.S (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service) architecture designed specifically for commercial electrification and conversion flexibility. The sub-five-metre dimensions provide urban maneuverability while matching D-segment van capabilities.
Key specifications include:
- Payload capacity: Up to 1,005 kg depending on configuration
- Cargo volume: Up to eight cubic metres with High Box configuration
- Turning radius: 5.5 metres
- Structural design: Dual-annular steel exoskeleton with rear underrun protection device (RUPD)
Conversion Flexibility and Applications
European converters collaborated on the chassis cab development to support multiple professional configurations. Available body types include:
- Dropside: Construction and farming equipment transport
- Tipper: Municipal waste collection operations
- Box Vans: Three variants for e-commerce parcel logistics
- Refrigerated Vans: Grocery delivery applications
Kia displayed a food truck conversion at SOLUTRANS serving specialty coffee and local pastries to demonstrate real-world application versatility.
Battery and Charging Infrastructure
Two battery configurations will be available. The 51.5 kWh standard battery launches with the vehicle. The 71.2 kWh long-range battery arrives in 2026.
Range estimates vary by conversion type. The L2H1 Cargo variant achieves 297 km with the standard battery and 416 km with the long-range battery under WLTP testing protocols.
Charging specifications include:
- DC fast charging: Up to 150 kW enabling 10-80% recharge in approximately 30 minutes
- AC charging: 22 kW capability (later availability)
Safety and Warranty Coverage
The PV5 Chassis Cab includes Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features:
- Smart Cruise Control (SCC)
- Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2) with Hands-On Detection
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA)
- Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA)
Warranty coverage includes seven years or 150,000 km, extendable to 260,000 km. Battery warranty provides eight years of separate coverage.
Business Solutions Ecosystem
Kia launched the Business Solutions Ecosystem for fleet management and operational integration. The platform organizes services under four pillars:
DRIVE: Android OS infotainment system with AI Assistant, over-the-air updates, and 12.9-inch touchscreen. Kia Drive for Business provides rental and replacement services across 150 locations in eight European markets.
CHARGE: Kia Charge Business delivers access to over one million AC, DC, and high-power charging points across 30+ European countries through Deftpower’s platform. Home and depot charging solutions available through partner network.
CONNECT: Kia | PLEOS Fleet platform offers multi-brand fleet management with administration, reporting, charging, routing, maintenance, safety, and compliance tools. Fleet API provides access to mileage, charging status, GPS data, and diagnostics. Business Mode in the Kia App enables management of up to five vehicles.
WORK: Central Business Solutions portal integrates all ecosystem services with user and vehicle management capabilities. Optional Geotab device available for non-connected vehicles.
Performance Recognition
The PV5 received multiple industry awards within its first year. What Van? Awards named it ‘One to Watch’ for 2025. The Sun designated it ‘Van of the Year’ at the 2025 News UK Motor Awards. Parkers awarded it ‘Best Electric Van’ and ‘Van of the Year’ for 2026.
In September, the PV5 Cargo Long Range 4-door variant set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for greatest distance traveled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge. The vehicle covered 693.38 km carrying its maximum authorized payload of 665 kg with the 71.2 kWh battery.
Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe, stated the PV5 Chassis Cab combines compact efficiency with larger van carrying capacity for European commercial operations.
SOLUTRANS 2025 runs November 18-22 in Lyon with Kia’s exhibition located in Hall 5, C 130.
Learn more at https://www.kia.com/us/en
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