As small vans are gradually dying off in the U.S., Kia just introduced its new line of electrified commercial-style vans with some revolutionary plans to shake up not just the van world, but the entire automobile as we know it. The first model slated to begin Korean production in 2025 is the PV5, which is aimed at targeting ride-hailing drivers, delivery drivers and utility services.
Kia’s modular platform is called the Platform Beyond Vehicle, or PBV. Owners will be able to change the layout of their van whenever they feel like it, so a PV5 can go from a standard height people hauler to a high-roof cargo van with a few simple steps. In addition to the PV5, which was shown in multiple configurations, Kia also revealed a tiny PV1 designed for easy mobility in hyper-urban environments, and the PV7, the largest model in the lineup.
Kia says the PBV platform is prepped for autonomy, with the intention of introducing an ecosystem of self-driving, interconnected vehicles, but that is the third phase of the PBV roll-out plan. Phase one is bringing the electrified PV5 to market as a more traditional vehicle.
The PV5 will showcase “Dynamic Hybrid” weldless construction to allow for easier modularization so a single chassis can meet several different needs. The vans will feature a fixed front cab area, but the back of the van will be compatible with an array of “life modules” to allow owners to switch up their van between a passenger van, cargo van, or recreational vehicle. The modules will swap using a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology.
The interior of the PV5 is designed to meet the needs of commercial van buyers. In the rear is a flat load floor, while the front has a folding steering wheel that turns into a lamp and a shelf area that can be used as a desk. The long wheelbase allows for a large sliding door much like on other modern vans.
Kia is constructing a dedicated production facility in Autoland Hwaseong, Korea to handle PV5 production. The factory is slated to begin PBV production in 2025 and will have an annual production capacity of 150,000 units. Future phases of the PBV platform include partnerships with rideshare apps and other mobility companies to integrate PBVs with fleets, and eventually create autonomous fleets.
The real innovation in this line is the platform’s post-purchase customizability. Kia doesn’t explain much about how the process of swapping between configurations works, but the platform’s unique construction was engineered to facilitate the process. There have been other modular van concepts in the past, but the fact that Kia is aiming to produce the PV5 starting in 2025 is a good sign that the long-lived concept of a modular van may well become a reality soon.