Kia aims to introduce 14 electric vehicles to its portfolio by 2027, with some models specifically engineered for unique customer demands, including delivery vans and shuttles.
At the recent 2024 CES, Kia showcased concepts of its upcoming specially designed vehicles, though details regarding their powertrains remain undisclosed.
A camouflaged prototype of a forthcoming production model has now been spotted, undergoing tests alongside competitors like the Volkswagen ID.Buzz and Citroën E-Berlingo electric vans. This new Kia model is a midsize van and will be named PV5 upon its release. This name was initially associated with the concept unveiled at CES.
The concept measured nearly 183 inches in length and featured a wheelbase of about 118 inches, with the production version expected to have similar dimensions. Additionally, a larger iteration, known as the PV7, was also presented, measuring over 207 inches long.
The PV5 could potentially function as a delivery van, passenger vehicle, camper van, or taxi, depending on its configuration. Kia has also introduced an off-road variant and a model intended for use as a robotaxi. The company has suggested that the PV5 could eventually be utilized in its own robotaxi service.
Kia also intends to provide the PV5 as a chassis cab, allowing owners to customize the vehicle to meet their specific requirements through a process known as upfitting.
The PV5 is anticipated to make its debut in 2025 as Kia’s inaugural purpose-built vehicle.
Kia has also confirmed plans to create a purpose-built vehicle specifically for taxi services, which will utilize the Niro compact crossover as its foundation.
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