Kia’s bold entry into the electric light commercial vehicle market has made an immediate impact, with the PV5 named ‘Best New Van’ at the first-ever Van Reviewer Awards. Praised for its clean-sheet design and forward-thinking technology, the PV5 is already turning heads across the industry.
Judges hailed the PV5 as the most significant new van of the year, highlighting its role in Kia’s wider Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy. Engineered to accommodate multiple body sizes, types, and conversions, the PV5’s software-led architecture supports advanced connectivity, over-the-air updates, and seamless integration with fleet systems.
George Barrow, Editor of vanreviewer.co.uk, commented: “The Kia PV5 has been designed from the ground up around electrification and software, underlining the forward-thinking nature of the whole PBV concept. To deliver a van of this quality, with such clarity of purpose, on the first attempt, shows how seriously Kia is taking its entry into the light commercial vehicle market. The PV5 has impressed at every opportunity and sets a new benchmark for competitors and future Kia vans.”
Record-Breaking Efficiency
The PV5 Cargo has already proven its electric credentials, earning a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for the ‘greatest distance travelled by a light‑duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge’. Driven by Barrow in September 2025, the all-electric van covered 430.84 miles (693.38km) fully loaded, demonstrating exceptional efficiency and real-world capability.
A Purpose-Built Electric Van
The PV5 Cargo is Kia’s first purpose-built electric light commercial vehicle (e-LCV) and marks a decisive step into the competitive UK van market. Built on the Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), the PV5 is offered with two trim levels—‘Essential’ and ‘Plus’—and two battery options: a Standard Range 51.5kWh or Long Range 71.2kWh pack. Prices start from £27,645 excluding VAT, with the maximum Government Plug-in Van Grant reducing the cost by £5,000.
The PV5 Passenger is also available with five seats, eligible for the UK Electric Car Grant, and priced from £32,995 excluding the grant. Further variants, including Crew, Chassis Cab, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV), will launch in the UK in the coming months.
Dedicated PBV Network
To support the PV5 launch, Kia has established a new network of PBV Centres, providing expert sales and service for all PV5 variants. This ensures a specialist approach for commercial customers and seamless support across the PV5 range.
Award-Winning Debut
The Van Reviewer accolade adds to an impressive array of early recognitions. The PV5 has already been named 2026 ‘Van of the Year’ by Electrifying.com, What Van?, Parkers, and The Sun. The PV5 Passenger earned BBC TopGear.com’s ‘Family Car of the Year’, and the model capped its awards tally with the 2026 International Van of the Year title.
With a record-breaking electric drivetrain, versatile platform, and growing list of awards, the Kia PV5 demonstrates that Kia is serious about redefining the light commercial vehicle sector—setting a high bar for 2026 and beyond.
