Battery-electric, last-mile delivery commercial vans continue to be success stories in the global market, including the U.S. where Amazon-liveried Rivian EDVs can be seen daily making their rounds.
Ford also continues to sell its E-Transit van while GM, unfortunately, announced last month the discontinuation of the BrightDrop EV delivery van. The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter van continues to be successfully utilized by DHL.
And now Kia wants to get in on the action.
Meet the Kia PV5
The South Korean automaker's first-ever EV van, the PV5, has just been announced as the winner of the 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY).
The PV5 Cargo Long van has already received another prestigious award, the Guinness World Record title for the longest distance travelled by an EV van, complete with a full payload, on a single charge.
The first model in Kia new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) line-up, the vehicle is built on the dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S). It offers an all-electric Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) range of up to 416 (258 miles) km for the Cargo Long variant and 412 km (256 miles) for the five-seat passenger version.
The PV5 also supports DC fast charging, reaching 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes, and provides a payload capacity of up to 790 kg (1,741 lbs.).
To meet a wide range of commercial requirements, the PV5 is available with three battery options—43.3 kWh, 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh—and features modular exterior components designed to simplify repairs. The model also incorporates practical usability elements such as a low entry height, a flat cargo floor and integrated mounting points to streamline upfitting.
The PV5's flexible interior layout and flat-floor design support various configurations, from cargo and passenger setups to conversion-ready modules. Inside, it features next-generation digital tools including an AI assistant, fleet management services and an app marketplace to boost uptime and efficiency.
Safety is built into the platform, featuring a reinforced body structure, extensive high-strength steel and dedicated battery protection. Advanced driver-assistance systems, including surround view monitoring and lane keep assist, help ensure operation in often hectic commercial settings.
US market bound?
For now, Kia has not directly confirmed whether the PV5 is bound for the North American market, at least for now. Why? The most likely answer is because of tariffs. However, the PV5 prototypes have been spotted testing in the U.S. and the concept version was displayed at CES in Las Vegas.
Kia did confirm that two body styles—Chassis Long and Passenger 5-seater—will go on sale in Europe next year. Additional variants will follow shortly, specifically a Chassis Cab, Cargo Standard, and High Roof. Two more PV-branded vans are also on way: the larger PV7 and PV9.
