The commercial van market has long been dominated by Ford, Chevrolet, and RAM, but Kia recently announced in a high-profile manner that the brand is about to enter the van space. According to overseas ** reports, at the electronics show (CES) held in Las Vegas this year, Kia officially exhibited three concept cars of electric vans.
All three vans have a modular design, using a single chassis that can accommodate a variety of mobility needs, with the cockpit located in front of the interchangeable bodies, which Kia refers to as the "Life Module". These bodies will be connected to the vehicle's base platform via a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology, such as a quick change of vehicle from a taxi to a delivery van.
Kia says the first to go into production in the future will be the PV5, a mid-size truck that can be switched from a van to a passenger car with a quick body change. It is reported that PV5 is designed for ride-hailing and delivery services, and will employ software and data connectivity to easily manage large fleets. The PV5 has a sleek exterior and wide doors, as well as a column-free cargo compartment, and the car's long wheelbase and flat floor make the most of space. Once in production, PV5 will be available in five versions: Basic, VAN, High Roof, Robotaxi and Chassis Cab.
Although all PV5s are based on the same chassis, each version of the PV5 has its own unique purpose. For example, the PV5 Basic has wide double doors and three rows of seats, and some seats can also be folded up to provide space for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Whereas, the PV5 van van focuses on cargo transportation, with plenty of room inside the vehicle for adults to stand upright. The High Roof version goes a step further with more clear space, and the cab can be converted directly into a mobile office, complete with desk space and a steering wheel that folds up into a desk lamp.
Future PV5 will also feature a smaller PV1 designed for narrow city streets, and a larger PV7, both of which have a sleek body similar to the PV5. A dedicated plant for the electric van series is under construction in Hwaseong, South Korea, and aims to be operational by 2025 with an annual production capacity of 150,000 units. Kia has yet to say whether it will sell the PV5 in the US, as well as the eventual PV7 and PV1. A Kia spokesperson said the company could not comment on production and sales plans at this time.