Kia has dispelled the idea that electric vans can’t go the distance by setting a new world record for range. The record was set in the brand’s new PV5 Cargo, the first dedicated model to be developed as part of Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) series. On 30 September 2025, a fully loaded PV5 Cargo L2H1 with a 71.2kWh battery covered 430.84 miles on a single charge, setting a new Guinness World Record for distance traveled by a light-duty battery-powered van.
The record attempt took place on public roads north of Frankfurt in Germany under real-world conditions, including city junctions, traffic lights, roundabouts and a repeated elevation gain of around 370 metres. The PV5 completed the 38.2 mile loop 12 times at maximum payload, demonstrating both its efficiency and reliability for urban delivery operations. According to Kia’s figures, adding 100kg reduces range by just 1.5%, highlighting the van’s practical performance.
The record run was conducted by van journalist journalist George Barrow and Kia engineer Christopher Nigemeier, who optimised every kilowatt-hour. Both praised the van’s efficiency and the seamless teamwork that made the record possible. TÜV Hessen inspectors verified payload compliance, while GPS tracking and cabin cameras documented the full 22-hour, 30-minute drive.
As the first model in Kia’s flexible PBV family, the PV5 is designed with a modular “building block” concept, allowing Cargo, Passenger, Chassis Cab, Crew Van, wheelchair-accessible and light camper variants. The L2H1 Cargo version offers 4.4m³ of load space and a 790kg payload, with two battery options (51.5kWh and 71.2kWh) offered to UK buyers. The PV5 is expected to be followed in 2027 by a larger PV7 model.
