Kia will launch a dedicated network of 45 professional business van (PBV) centres across the UK to coincide with the launch of its PV5 on May 1.
The dedicated PBV centres will offer sales and after sales services and grow to 60 by the end of next year.
Each PBV Centre will be equipped with its own dedicated facilities and specialist resources to support customers.
In most cases, the new network will be with existing Kia partners who have experience of commercial vehicles with other brands.
Kia said further partner details and announcements will follow in the coming months, with Kia PBV centres opening for business from Q4 2025 to coincide with the first PV5 UK deliveries.
Paul Philpott, president & CEO of Kia UK, said: “This is an incredibly exciting time as we grow our business into the commercial vehicle sector here in the UK for the first time.
“To achieve this, we are launching a brand-new network of PBV Centres to offer first-class sales and support for our commercial vehicle customers.
“The launch of Kia PBVs is the greatest change Kia has undergone since it entered the UK car market over three decades ago.
“We will build on our expertise gained through our car business, which has evolved the Kia brand from market newcomer in the 1990s to today being the fourth best-selling car brand in the UK.
“This new business for Kia introduces new products, new customers and a new sector of the industry for our brand.”
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More PV5 details
The PV5 was designed for modularity and will be offered in numerous configurations such as panel van (Cargo), chassis cab and passenger carrier.
It uses a bespoke electric vehicle (EV) platform that was developed specifially for commercial applications. The tech is closely linked to that found in Kia’s electric cars.
There’s a choice of two powertrains: Standard Range and Long Range. The Standard Range van gets a 51.4kWh battery and provides a range of up to 181 miles. The Long Range gets a 71.2kWh unit and can cover 247 miles between charges.
All PV5 variants offer 400V fast charging capability, meaning when connected to a 150kW charging point the PV5’s battery (both Standard Range or Long Range) can be topped up from 10-to-80% in less than 30 minutes.
A single motor powers the front wheels, developing 163PS and 250Nm.
Pricing starts at £27,495 (CV OTR) for the PV5 Cargo Essential Standard Range, rising to £30,145 for the Long Range. The vehicle is also eligible for the £5,000 plug-in van grant.
The Passenger version is available from £32,995 (OTR).
Pricing for the full line-up will be confirmed at a later date.
All versions feature black geometric wheel arch claddings and rocker panels, which give continuity with Kia’s SUV lineup, linking the upper cabin with the lower body.
Kia’s new Flexible Body System enables the modular assembly of body components, providing standard models such as Passenger, Cargo, Chassis-Cab, WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle), and Family. Additionally, it will feature conversion models including the Crew, Drop Side, Box Van, Freezer Box, Prime (advanced model based on Passenger), and Light Camper.
The PV5’s interior has a modular design that allows for bespoke customisation. Kia will offer a range of accessories to provide enhanced storage and usability.
Two trim levels – Essential and Plus – are offered across the PV5 line-up. The entry-level Essential grade includes LED headlights, air conditioning, keyless entry, adaptive cruise control with Highway Assist, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera and an alarm.
Plus gains heated front seats and steering wheel, blind spot monitor, electric folding door mirrors, wireless phone charging and the option to add a heat pump.
Cargo
The PV5 Cargo features a boxy profile that reflects its enhanced space efficiency. There’s two seats upfront with a full bulkhead. At the rear, twin side-opening tailgate doors provide easy access for loading and unloading. A single side sliding door comes as standard. The van will be available in two lengths and two heights.
Only the L2H1 can be ordered, initially. It has a cargo volume of 4.4 cubic metres and allows for two standard euro-pallets to be accommodated with ease. Maximum payload is 790Kg for the standard range battery, while the long range battery has a 690Kg payload.
The L1H1 has a 4.0 cubic metre load space, while the L2/H2 offers 5.1 cubic metres. These variants will launch in 2026.
Crew
The PV5 Crew features a rear bench seat and is exclusively available in L2H1 form, with the Standard Range powertrain.
To maximise flexibility, the second-row bench seat in the PV5 Crew can be folded and slid forwards or backwards to either increase load space or accommodate passengers. The bulkhead is attached to the back of the second-row seats, allowing it to move with them.
Payload is rated at 605Kg, while the cargo area offers flexible storage capacity between 2.4 and 3.7 cubic metres.
Chassis Cab
The PV5 Chassis Cab can be paired with the Standard Range or Long Range powertrain.
Although available delivered as an unfinished vehicle, the PV5 Chassis Cab can be ordered with factory-built conversions thanks to Kia’s brand-new production line at the Hwaseong EVO Plant, in South Korea. Further details about conversions will be made available at a later date.
Driving range from a single charge is 155 miles for the Standard Range vehicle, or 217 miles for the Long Range version.
Payload is rated at up to 995Kg (Long Range).
Passenger
The PV5 Passenger will be initially avialable in a five-seat configuration. A seven-seat version will join the range at a later date.
With all five seats upright, the PV5 Passenger offers a rear luggage capacity of 1,320-litres, extending to 2,315 litres with the second row folded.
The vehicle is is equipped with a single lift up tailgate, at the rear, and makes use of the van’s low beltline with a large window area.
It’s offered with both the Standard Range and Long Range powertrains, providing 179 miles and 249 miles of range, respectively.