Kia UK has announced the starting price and pre-order date for its first fully electric passenger van, the Kia PV5 Passenger. Marking a pivotal moment for the brand’s Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) strategy, the PV5 is now available to order from Thursday, 01 May 2025, with UK customer deliveries scheduled for late 2025.
Available in a two-grade line-up—‘Essential’ and ‘Plus’, the PV5 Passenger is the first step in Kia’s ambitious PBV programme, which will soon expand with commercial variants (Cargo, Crew and Chassis Cab) and larger models like the PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029.
A Configurable, Clean-Sheet EV Platform
Designed from the ground up and built in a new, dedicated facility in Korea, the Kia PV5 utilises the brand’s E-GMP.S platform, delivering a flat floor for optimal interior space and comfort. Initially launched as a five-seater L2/H1 model, the PV5 offers a balance of utility and sophistication tailored to modern urban mobility and family travel.
The model is available with two battery options:
- 51.5kWh Standard Range (up to 179 miles WLTP)
- 71.2kWh Long Range (up to 249 miles WLTP)
All variants feature front-wheel drive, powered by a single permanent magnet synchronous motor. The Standard Range delivers 89.4kW (approx. 120bhp), while the Long Range packs a punch with 120kW (approx. 160bhp), accelerating from 0-62mph in just 10.7 seconds.
Fast Charging and Everyday Practicality
Supporting 400V architecture, the PV5 is capable of rapid DC charging at up to 150kW, replenishing from 10% to 80% in under 30 minutes. AC charging is equally versatile, with 7kW and 11kW options providing full charges in 7 and 5 hours respectively (Standard Range).
Despite its compact footprint, the PV5 offers standout practicality:
- 1,320 litres of boot space with five seats upright
- Expandable to 2,315 litres with the second row folded
- Wide 775mm dual sliding doors with a low 402mm step-in height for easy access
Trim Levels: ‘Essential’ and ‘Plus’
Kia has streamlined the offering to ensure clarity for buyers. The ‘Essential’ grade is available with either battery pack and priced from £32,995 OTR for the Standard Range. The ‘Plus’ model, exclusively paired with the Long Range battery, offers an elevated feature set ideal for tech-forward families or fleet users seeking premium amenities.
PV5 Passenger ‘Essential’ Highlights:
- 16-inch steel wheels with full-size wheel covers
- Heated door mirrors with LED indicators
- Smart entry and start/stop button
- 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with Android Automotive OS
- Wireless Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™
- Suite of advanced driver assistance systems including:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5
- Lane Keeping Assist and Lane Following Assist 2
- Highway Driving Assist
- Smart Cruise Control with stop/go
PV5 Passenger ‘Plus’ Enhancements:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Electrically folding mirrors
- Heated front seats and steering wheel
- Fully electric front seat adjustment with lumbar support
- Powered tailgate
- Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality
- Wireless smartphone charging
- Advanced safety systems including Blind Spot and Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Avoidance, and Safe Exit Warning
An optional heat pump is available for improved cold-weather efficiency, while paint options include a standard Clear White and eight premium finishes (£750 incl. VAT).
Designed for More Than Today
The PV5’s spacious interior offers generous legroom (up to 1,041mm in the first row) and headroom (up to 1,076mm in the second row), making it suitable for long commutes, shared transport, or active lifestyles. With its distinctive boxy silhouette and flat floor, it maximises usability without compromising on style.
Looking ahead, a seven-seat configuration is expected to join the line-up, broadening its appeal to larger families and shuttle operators.
A Key Step in Kia’s Electrified Future
The PV5 Passenger is more than just a new electric van—it’s a cornerstone in Kia’s vision for sustainable, modular mobility. As the first in a line of PBVs, it demonstrates how thoughtful design, electrification, and practicality can coexist in an accessible, well-equipped vehicle.
Pre-orders open on 01 May 2025, and while the full pricing of the long range models is yet to be confirmed, the PV5’s feature-rich proposition is poised to make a powerful impact on the UK’s electric MPV and van segments.
