- Kia PV5 named electric van of the year
- Kia PV5 Cargo is a panel with a 258-mile range
- Read our review of the Kia PV5 Cargo
- Lease the Kia PV5 with Select Van Leasing
- Kia PV5 also available as family-sized MPV
Kia’s new PV5 electric van has been named 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY), becoming the first Korean model to take the title.
Judged by 26 commercial vehicle journalists across Europe, the win is a significant milestone for Kia as it enters the LCV market with its first dedicated electric van. While the brand is well established in cars, the PV5 is its first ground-up commercial vehicle for Europe and the first model from Kia’s new PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) programme.
IVOTY chairman Jarlath Sweeney praised the PV5 for “setting a new benchmark” in the electric van sector, noting its blend of practicality, capability and efficiency. “Kia has long been celebrated for its award-winning cars,” he said, “and now its van division is making an equally powerful impact on the industry.”
Kia President & CEO Ho Sung Song said the van had been developed entirely from scratch, driven by customer feedback from fleets and small businesses. He called the IVOTY win “an exceptional honour” and a sign that Kia’s approach to practical, purpose-built electric vans is resonating with operators.
The PV5 offers up to 258 miles of WLTP range in Cargo (L2H1) form, and achieved 257 miles in Select Vans’ testing with around 400kg on board. DC rapid charging from 10–80% takes less than 30 minutes, and payloads reach up to 790kg, depending on version.
Two models are available at launch — Cargo and a five-seat Passenger version — with more variants arriving in 2026, including a Chassis Cab, short-wheelbase Cargo, and high-roof Cargo. Larger PBV models, the PV7 and PV9, are also under development as Kia expands its LCV range.
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