What you need to know:
- Kia PV5 Battery-Electric Van debuts as the WAV New York Taxi and Rideshare concept at the 2026 New York Auto Show, signaling Kia's push into sustainable urban mobility
- Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicle (WAV) conversion partnership with BraunAbility highlights ADA-compliant accessibility for passengers with disabilities
- Dedicated EV platform enables real-world conversions, offering cost-effective, high-quality electric taxis and rideshare vehicles
- Real-world testing in New York engages fleet operators, disability advocates, and government agencies to refine the future-ready electric taxi for mass deployment
Kia is charging into the future of urban transport with its battery-electric PV5 van. Today, the PV5-based WAV New York Taxi and Rideshare concept made its live debut at the 2026 New York Auto Show, signaling the South Korean automaker's push to lead this growing segment.
Last November, the PV5 was announced as the winner of the 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY). In its home country, it'll be sold as both a passenger and cargo van (a potential future Rivian EDV rival?) but it remains unknown whether it'll arrive stateside. The cargo version would be highly attractive to small businesses. We remain hopeful.
[Related: Amazon increased Rivian EV delivery van fleet by 50% in 2025]
Kia hasn't officially confirmed anything but the WAV New York Taxi concept's very existence is a promising sign. The automaker developed the concept as part of a collaboration with BraunAbility, the leading Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) conversion company in North America.
Per Kia:
"The PV5 WAV New York Taxi and Rideshare concept is designed to meet two key pillars of future mobility: sustainability and improved ADA-compliant accessibility for wheelchair users."
It's important to note that the PV5, from the get-go, was designed for real-world EV conversions. Its dedicated electric platform simplifies modifications, allowing partners like BraunAbility to deliver high-quality, cost-effective wheelchair-accessible taxis and rideshare vehicles. The van's low step-in height and integrated tiedowns make boarding easier for all passengers, including those using wheelchairs, while ensuring consistent securement.
"Kia's collaboration with BraunAbility benefits those involved, expanding the existing product portfolios of both companies in the U.S. market, while aiming to offer greater quality and choice to vehicle operators and improved mobility to WAV users," said Sangdae Kim, executive vice president and head of the PBV Division at Kia.
Kia and BraunAbility are now expanding real-world testing in New York, gathering input from fleet operators, disability advocates, and government agencies to refine the vehicle for mass deployment.
"For years, New York has been told it has to choose between zero tailpipe emission vehicles and accessibility," adds Craig Schrimsher, BraunAbility Americas president. "The PV5 WAV is proof that the same taxi can deliver both, by combining Kia's dedicated EV platform with BraunAbility's wheelchair-accessible design leadership."
