Kia’s highly anticipated PV5 electric van spotted in Australia

Kia’s first fully electric van, the PV5, has been sighted in Australia, signalling the imminent arrival of the model to local customers. The vehicle was recently photographed at a port holding yard, having just been unloaded from a ship alongside other Kia models, including the Tasman ute. The PV5 seen still bore protective coverings on its wheels and parts of its bodywork, a common measure during transportation to prevent damage. The PV5 is available in either three- or four-door configurations, with the additional door located on the driver’s side. It features a 71.2 kWh CATL battery pack, which delivers an estimated range of approximately 416 kilometres under the WLTP cycle. Charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 30 minutes, making it practical for commercial users needing quick top-ups during breaks. The van’s powertrain includes a 120 kW front-mounted motor built on Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) architecture, designed specifically for electric commercial vehicles. Dimensionally, the PV5 measures 4.695 metres in length and just under 1.9 metres in height. The three-door variant weighs 1,935 kg, while the four-door version tips the scales at over 1,955 kg, both capable of towing up to 750 kg with a braked trailer. The van also offers Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality, capable of supplying up to 3.68 kW of power for external devices, which could prove useful for tradespeople and delivery operators. Kia recently showcased the PV5 at the Melbourne Motor Show, where it was priced at $55,990 before on-road costs. The company has tailored the van’s ride and handling characteristics to suit urban delivery routes as well as rougher rural roads, reflecting its versatility for various commercial applications. As Kia’s first electric van offering in Australia, the PV5 is expected to make a significant impact in the growing market for zero-emission last-mile delivery vehicles.