Kia PV5 Flatbed van spied ahead of launch

We’re out in Korea filming some exciting new videos, at the moment. While we can’t tell you about that just yet, we can tell you about the new Kia PV5 Cargo flatbed van that we spotted out and about, around the factory in Korea.

The Kia PV5 Cargo is the commercial version of the new Kia PV5 Passenger. The latter can seat up to eight people, and you can read all about it in our review. The Cargo is an interesting new model, as it’s Kia’s first foray into electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs), but it looks really competitive next to rivals like the electric Ford Transit and Vauxhall Vivaro.

The electric Kia PV5 van that we spotted out and about was the flatbed version of this very flexible platform, which we haven’t seen before. It looks… Well, it looks like a flatbed van with the front of a Kia PV5 on it, which is exactly what it is! 

This is the real beauty of the new Kia PV5 vehicles; the modularity of the platform allows Kia to launch its new all-electric van range in standard box van, high roof, crew cab and – as we can see here – the flatbed version. 

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Depending on which of the many body variants you choose, the Kia PV5 van will come with a 51.5- or 71.2kWh lithium-ion NMC battery. We’re still waiting on confirmation of the WLTP range, but we expect a range of around 180- and 250 miles depending on battery and body style. A smaller battery is also likely to become available in certain of the Kia PV5 van variants, in order to offer an even more affordable option for those companies wanting electric vans for last-mile delivery jobs.

Speaking of great value, the Kia PV5 Cargo (the standard box van is pictured above) is great value, starting at £27,645 (excl. VAT) – undercutting key rivals including the Ford Transit. We'll have to wait and see how prices for the rest of the range pan out, after Kia announces more details in the coming weeks. 

Read our full walkaround review of the Kia PV5, and watch Ginny’s walkaround video, to find out more about the electric Kia PV5 Cargo van and 8-person PV5 Passenger vehicle ahead of orders opening later this year.