Best-selling car brand that’s become UK favourite to rival the Ford Transit with van coming in just months
A BEST-SELLING car brand is set to release a stylish new van – and it’s tipped to rival Ford’s fan-favourite Transit.
The brand-new Kia PV5 will be available to order at an undisclosed date in 2025 and are expected to set buyers back upwards of £34,000.
The electric motor will be a standard panel van, coming in at 4.5 metres long and operating in front-wheel drive.
There will be longer ones (4.7 metres), high-roof versions (allowing drivers to stand up in the cargo area), people movers and a chassis cab for conversions which will be released at a later date.
Satnav location, contacts, charge status and other data can be shared van-to-van and back at base.
There’s also no need for range anxiety, as if you’re running low on juice, another PV5 can stop and top you up.
Integrated rail systems in the cargo area allow for cabinets or frames full of stuff to be switched from one van to another, using a tablet.
“In order to disrupt the LCV market, an all-in approach is needed to maximise the benefits of a dedicated platform for a wide range of customers,” Marc Hedrich, president of Kia in Europe, said.
“While this approach is not a first for electric passenger cars, it’s certainly the first time we see it for LCV.
“This is a benchmark moment, and our PBVs are set to deliver better accessibility, higher volumes, and lower running costs, to completely change logistics and mobility.”
The vans will come in three battery sizes, including a low-cost option, with rapid charging to 80 per cent in less than 30 minutes.
They will boat ultra-fast charging, high-tech cabins and hands-free cargo loading from one van to another.
Drivers can get behind the model’s wheels after forking out around £34,000.
Kia UK boss Paul Philpott promised earlier this year: “We are very real about our future in the electric van market.
To break through we need to have competitively priced products.
“It’s a big opportunity for us over a period of time.
“But we have to establish the foundations first.
“If you think you are going to come in with some really good electric van product and go from zero to No1 within three years you’re mad.
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“We have to build relationships with fleet customers, business customers, establish the expertise and grow it over time.
“The strength of the Kia brand will help us. People know us.”
It comes after Volvo teased images of the returning S90, dubbed the ES90, which is an electric version of the four-door vehicle.
No official details of the vehicle have been released yet, but TopGear.com believes it will likely take some components from the EX90.
That vehicle has a large 111kWh battery in its floor, supporting charing up to 250kW and claiming a range of 374 miles.
The ES90 could be available as soon as Spring next year, with the EX60 coming afterwards.
New modular design is set to underpin all future electric vehicles from Volvo, beginning with the EX90.