Kia will offer a minivan in 2025 that will compete with the Vw ID.Buzz

Kia is preparing to launch a series of electric commercial vehicles starting in 2025, alongside which will also be practical vans designed to compete with the industry-leading Volkswagen ID.Buzz. The Korean manufacturer is using its electric car expertise for its new vans and will launch the first in a new range of electric commercial vehicles designed to be an alternative to the Ford E-Transit;

The Kia PBV that stands for Platform Beyond Vehicle does not just refer to a van, but is the name of the overall commercial strategy that the Koreans unveiled at Ces in Las Vegas in January. Launching it is the PV5 medium van that has in its sights, among others, the Ford E-Transit Custom. Kia says it will launch the PV5 in high roof and cab versions. This will be joined by the unreleased MPV. The PV5 models are designed for a variety of uses;

The MPV is designed for use in ride sharing and is high enough for passengers to stand inside. The high-roof version, on the other hand, is a typical van with access to the cargo area to increase practicality. Finally, there will be the robotaxi using the electronic technology of the PV5 and the possibility of autonomous driving systems coupled with the platform remotely when regulations permit.

The PV5 model destination previewed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January showcased Easy Swap technology, designed for different modules in the back of a chassis-cab-style platform. It utilises electromagnetic and mechanical solutions, while the modular structure made of high-strength tubular steel and polymers reduces the number of parts by 55 per cent while maintaining chassis rigidity.

Starting with the PV7 which is a large van like a Ford Transit or a Renault Master, while the PV1 is designed as a small autonomous urban delivery vehicle with the same dimensions as the Citroen Ami and swivelling wheels on all corners to turn on itself. The two models will arrive in 2028/29. Also debuting at Ces 2024 was the PV3, an electric van the same size as the Renault Kangoo and Citroen Berlingo;