Kia presented its new line of electric commercial vehicles, named Pbv (Purpose Built Vehicle), specifically designed for light transport in Europe at the IAA 2024 in Hannover. The key highlight is the fast charging capability, allowing the battery to go from 10% to 80% in under thirty minutes. The manufacturer will also offer a seven-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty, aligning with Kia’s long-term strategy, the "Plan S," aimed at expanding its electric vehicle offerings.
The Pbv range is engineered to meet the needs of both B2B sectors and private customers, offering advanced software solutions, over-the-air updates, and significant cargo capacities. The models on display include the PV5 People Mover concept, the PV5 High Roof, and the PV7, all set to enter production in the summer of 2025. The Pbv concept is based on three core pillars: Drive, Charge, and Connect.
Kia has developed an innovative and highly flexible battery-electric platform tailored for light commercial vehicles. This platform allows for adjustable wheelbase lengths, easily adapting to various body types and vehicle sizes. Another key feature of Kia's Pbv range is the Kia Charge network, which provides access to over 780,000 charging points across 28 European countries. Customers can also utilize the Ionity network, which includes more than 4,100 charging stations in 24 countries.
The vehicles are also compatible with Kia’s Plug & Charge technology, enabling charging simply by connecting the cable. With the Kia EV Route Planner, customers can easily locate the next charging station, enhancing transport efficiency. Depot charging solutions will also be available, allowing entire fleets to be charged at private hubs, an ideal option for businesses with extensive mobility needs.
Finally, Kia’s Pbv vehicles will feature V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) technology, transforming them into mobile energy units capable of powering devices, emergency equipment, and even refrigeration units, making them particularly useful for logistics and emergency situations.
From a commercial perspective, B2B customers will benefit from a dedicated network of dealerships, specialized workshops, and a trained sales team to meet the specific needs of the commercial sector. Kia will also offer customized financing solutions to ensure a highly competitive total cost of ownership. At the IAA in Hannover, Kia also announced a partnership with Geotab, a leader in fleet management.
Massimilano Barberis
