Aside from the new Sportage Turbo Hybrid, Kia Philippines could soon expand its model lineup yet again with the addition of an electric commercial vehicle. This is after the Kia PV5 appeared on the Department of Energy’s list of recognized electric vehicles.
The Kia PV5 is an all-electric commercial van built on the Korean car brand’s Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S). The E-GMP.S is a dedicated battery-electric skateboard architecture designed specifically for Purpose-Beyond Vehicles (PBVs). The Kia PV5 is also regarded as the first production model in Kia’s PBV lineup.
With it appearing on DOE’s official website, it suggests that the Kia PV5 could soon be launched in the local market. Based on the information and specs uploaded on the DOE’s website, Kia PH could launch the PV5 Cargo Van.
Dimensions-wise, the Kia PV5 Cargo measures 4,695mm long, 1,895mm wide, and 1,899mm tall. It also has a wheelbase of 2,995mm and a ground clearance of 143mm. To put things in perspective, the Kia PV5 Cargo is slightly smaller compared to the likes of the Hyundai Staria. The Staria measures 5,253mm long, 1,997mm wide, and 1,990mm tall.
The Kia PV5 features a modern exterior design, especially when you look at its front end. Overall, the Kia PV5 is like the trendier cousin of the Hyundai Staria. Turning to the side, it is equipped with dual sliding doors, making it more versatile for its purpose of being a cargo van. The rear, on the other hand, has rear barn doors. Since the Kia PV5 is a cargo van, there’s seating for only two individuals.
Powering the Kia PV5 Cargo is a single electric motor that generates 161 horsepower and 250 Nm of torque. It also comes with a 51.5 kWh battery pack, which helps the Kia PV5 Cargo deliver a maximum range of 384 kilometers (NEDC) on a single charge.
Autocar’s Take
Kia Philippines could soon expand its model lineup yet again, as the Kia PV5 Cargo appeared on the DOE’s list of recognized EVs. Based on previous and similar scenarios, when a vehicle is listed on the DOE’s website, it suggests that it could be launched in the local market soon. Moreover, Kia PH also previously said that it plans to introduce the PV5 to the market in 2026. As such, seeing it on the DOE’s website indicates that Kia could be preparing to debut the PV5 in the Philippines.
