Diesel Doom! 2026 Kia PV5 means the end is in sight for traditional turbo-diesel delivery vans

March 10, 2025March 9, 2025 John Mahoney 919 Views 0 Comments Kia, PV5

Vale Hi-Ace? The debut of the battery electric 2026 Kia PV5 is more evidence the ubiquitous Toyota delivery van and its diesel rivals are running out of time.

Due to be introduced next year, the PV5 will come with ultra-low pricing that’s confirmed will start from just €30,000 ($50,000).

At that money in Australia, the new Kia PV5 would match the default Toyota on price, but also deliver ultra-low running costs and reasonable recharging times that should encourage many fleet operators to make the switch to EV.

And the PV5 will have competition from a burgeoning number of battery-powered vans including the LDV eDeliver 7, Farizon SV, Ford e-Transit Custom and VW ID. Buzz Cargo.

Officially revealed at the 2025 Kia EV Day ahead of its launch next year, the headline news is the Kia PV5 introduces the Korean car-maker’s most advanced EV tech for commercial vehicles.

Marking the first of Kia’s next-generation vans and people movers to be based on the Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBVs), the PV5 will be followed by the larger flagship PV7 in around two years’ time.

Heavily-related to the Kia EV3 SUV, the PV5 is based on the hatch’s E-GMP architecture with the less-powerful 400-volt electrical architecture that has been heavily modified for a flat rear floor and higher payload needed to be a delivery van.

Just one powertrain will be initially offered – a single 120kW/250Nm e-motor that drives the front wheels, although a dual-motor version might come later.

For now, the single motor PV5 will be offered with the choice of three batteries – a 43.3kWh, 51.5kWh or a large 71.2kWh, with the latter said to provide for a competitive range of up to 400km.

Charging rates have not been released but a 10-80 per cent top-up is said to take around 30 minutes, regardless of the battery.

The PV5 comes with vehicle-to-load (V2L) is standard, allowing the PV5 to act as a power source on-site to charge devices or power tools.

The PV5 is also available in multiple body styles, coming with the choice of a cargo, crew-cab, people-mover and wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

Once introduced a higher-riding off-road-focused version will also be available. Kia says it’s even partnered with conversion companies like Westfalia to produce a camper version.

Inside, all PV5s come with two seats up-front, while the crew cab and Passenger version can have a second- or third row of seats.

Behind the wheels, there’s a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment system that run Google Android Automotive operating system.

Business-specific apps that includes telematics to track the van or organise a driver’s day are also available.

Payload will be released later, but the cargo van can accommodate a full Euro pallet.

The cargo also features a new rail system on the floor and ceiling to allow cabinets to be installed and seats to be added.

Measuring in at 4695mm long, 1895mm wide and standing 1899mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2995mm for the people mover or the Cargo van, the Kia PV5 is shorter, narrower and lower than the ID. Buzz or E-Transit Custom.

When it comes to volumes, the PV5 delivers 5.1 cubic metres of lead space, compared to 3.9 cubic metres of space for the ID. Buzz, but short of the 6.8 cubic metres of the E-Transit Custom, which is coming to Australia in long wheelbase form only.

A shorter PV5 Chassis Cab (4525mm) will also be available.

Despite its humble workhorse role, colours include Soft Mint Gloss, Lakehouse Gray Gloss and Frost Blue Gloss, there’s also the option of a lift-up tailgate with low (419mm) load floor for easy access.

Inside there’s the choice of Deep Navy, Dove Gray, Espresso Brown, Terracotta Brown and Iceberg Green – with all using easy to clean planet-friendly fabrics.

Boosting practicality, the PV5 Passenger gets trick ‘fold and dive’ three-row seating that helps owners liberate extra cargo space when necessary – and that includes the front passenger seat, which along with the second- and third row can also be completely removed.

In Europe the Kia PV5 goes on sale in the second half of 2025, with it arriving in other global markets a little later in 2026.

There’s no word on official confirmation or timings for the Kia PV5 for Australia with the local outfit stating: “Kia Australia has its hand up to receive as many new EV models as possible including PV5, however, it hasn’t been confirmed for Australia as yet.”