KIA has released more details of its PV5 Platform Beyond Vehicle model which it hopes will kickstart a new chapter in the light commercial vehicle segment.

Built on Kia's PBV-dedicated E-GMP.S (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service), the PV5 features a flexible body architecture with a modular, ‘building block' assembly concept.

This skateboard-style electric platform allows configuration across a wide range of body types and use cases, including Cargo, Passenger, Chassis Cab, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, Light Camper, and Crew Van conversions.

Kia says the driving dynamics of the PV5 have been developed to meet the realities of everyday business use.

Both the Cargo and Passenger variants of PV5 are available with either a 51.5kWh or 71.2kWh battery giving an all-electric range of up to 258 miles with users getting access to the Kia Charge network of almost 1,000,000 public charging points across Europe.

The PV5 comes with a best-in-class seven-year/100,000-mile warranty with the battery pack and electric motor covered by a separate eight-year/100,000-mile warranty in full compliance with UK regulations.

It introduces a Flexible Body System, a modular design that enables diverse vehicle configurations and supports the rapid development of up to 16 variants from a limited number of assemblies.

Front cabin modules are standardised, while rear-end, roof, and quarter glass components can be combined during production to create dedicated Cargo, Passenger, or High-Roof models.

The Passenger variant has up to 3,615 litres of luggage space while the PV5 Cargo has a cargo volume ranges from 4.0 cubic metre in the L1H1 model to 5.2 in the L2H2 model - large enough to accommodate two Euro pallets.

Kia has also developed a Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) variant of the PV5, designed to offer greater freedom and independence for individuals facing mobility challenges with a gently sloped side-entry ramp, universal securing systems, and a low-floor layout to ensure easy access and comfortable travel.

Mass production of the PV5 Passenger and Cargo (Long) models is already underway at Kia's Hwaseong EVO Plant in Korea, with additional variants scheduled to roll out and by 2030 the company hopes to be selling 250,000 units a year acrpss the globe.