Kia to launch world’s first midsize PBV in 2025

[Courtesy of Kia]

South Korea’s Kia Corp., which identified purpose-built vehicles (PBVs) as its core business for the future, will launch the world’s first mid-sized PBV model in the third quarter of 2025.

The company targets building a PBV lineup ranging from compact to large vehicles by 2030, aiming to achieve a market share of over 20 percent in the global electric commercial vehicle market.

Ahead of the opening of CES 2024, Kia held a press conference on Monday (local time) at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas under the theme ‘All Set for Every Inspiration,’ where it unveiled its PBV strategy.

PBV refers to a simple-structured vehicle that is designed to flexibly change its design and interior space according to its intended use.

Kia revealed a step-by-step PBV roadmap focused on establishing a lineup that progresses from midsize to large and compact models, including fully customized production. The first in line within the PBV lineup is the midsize model ‘PV5,’ scheduled for release in July 2025. The PV5 incorporates ‘Easy Swap’ technology, allowing for the seamless exchange of modules (upper body) based on purposes such as cargo transportation or passenger mobility. This innovation facilitates the transformation of a vehicle used as a taxi into a delivery-specific vehicle by replacing its upper body, or vice versa.

Kia plans to introduce follow-up models such as the large model ‘PV7’ and the compact model ‘PV1’ after PV5’s release. PV7 offers spacious interior room and extended driving range suitable for various purposes like long-distance logistics. PV1, optimized for short-distance logistics, boasts maneuverability, enabling free movements including right-angle driving, diagonal driving, and on-the-spot rotation, facilitating swift movements even in tight spaces. Kia aims to offer a comprehensive transportation solution from the start of logistics to last-mile delivery via PV7 and PV1.

Kia intends to fortify its PBV-exclusive business structure by forming partnerships with major companies such as Uber, Coupang Inc., CJ Logistics Corp., and Kakao Mobility Corp. Collaborative projects are underway to develop PBV products tailored to the specific business objectives of logistics, delivery, and vehicle hailing in partnership with key players in these sectors. Participating in CES after a five-year hiatus, Kia anticipates that its 2024 focus on PBVs will serve as an opportunity to introduce and educate potential demand industries about PBVs.