IAA Transportation 2024: Kia enters the van segment

Kia is coming – also in the commercial vehicle sector: The brand therefore likes to redefine the abbreviation PBV (Purpose-built Vehicle), commonly used for special vehicles, as “Platform Beyond Vehicle.” Together with important partners in areas like fleet management and vehicle conversions, the brand aims to open new opportunities for customers in their respective fields of business through its PBVs – supported by a 7-year warranty (or 150,000 km).

Series start already in summer 2025

Kia PBVs are suitable for both business and private customers, uniquely combining functional electric vehicles with advanced software[1]solutions, over-the-air updates as well as dimensions and loading capacities that are at the top of their respective segments. Kia is presenting four concept studies at its IAA booth Page 2 (Hall 13, Location C71): PV5 Concept, PV5 People Mover Concept, PV5 High Roof Concept, and PV7 Concept.

Marc Hedrich, President of Kia Europe, explains:

“Our PBVs will offer better accessibility, larger volumes, and lower operating costs to fundamentally change logistics and mobility.”

Commercial vehicles as part of a grand strategy

PBVs are part of Kia's “Plan S” strategy, which also includes the expansion of its electric vehicle lineup. The PBV concept relies on the four pillars of Drive, Charge, Connect, and Work. They are as follows:

Drive: Should offer a great user experience. Kia has developed an innovative battery electric vehicle platform specifically for light commercial vehicles, which can be adjusted to different wheelbases and therefore used for various vehicle sizes and body types. The small, medium, and large PBVs impress with their handling, performance, and acceleration, convincing both on open roads and in city driving. According to Kia, the crisp driving behavior is complemented by easy maneuvering and a small turning circle, making parking in tight spaces and city driving easier.

Typically Kia: Seven-year warranty – or 150,000 kilometers

As announced by Kia at the IAA Transportation, the brand will offer a seven-year or 150,000-kilometer warranty for all PBVs. This is intended to strengthen customer confidence in the reliability and durability of Kia's new LCV models. The extraordinary user experience is also enhanced by the multitasking cockpit, AI-driven human-machine interface, and various storage options. The cockpit is also highly adaptable and can easily be transformed into a mobile workspace when the vehicle is stationary.

Charge: This point is meant to stand for maximum efficiency. Kia PBVs have access to Kia Charge, a continuously growing Europe-wide charging network[1] that currently provides access to over 780,000 charging points in 28 countries, including more than 130,000 in Germany. This includes access to Europe's largest fast-charging network, Ionity, which operates over 4,100 high-power charging points in 24 countries. Thanks to its ultra-fast charging technology, a Kia PBV can be charged with up to 150 kW DC. With this charging power, the battery can be charged from 10 to 80 percent in less than 30 minutes – for instance during a lunch break or a customer visit. To keep charging costs low, Kia PBVs can also be charged quickly at AC stations due to their 22 kW AC charging capability. Page 3 Two technologies make charging particularly convenient.

The PBV can do Plug&Charge. In addition, there are solutions for depot charging

Firstly, the Plug&Charge function, which automatically recognizes the vehicle at public charging stations, meaning it just needs to be connected to the station to start the charging process. Secondly, Kia's EV route planner, which saves the driver from having to plan charging, as the system automatically suggests potential charging points along the route if needed. Fleet operators can also take advantage of depot charging solutions to charge a PBV fleet at a private hub or depot location. Kia PBVs will also support various forms of bidirectional charging. The Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) function allows the vehicle battery to be used as a powerful power source to operate devices, tools, refrigeration units or emergency equipment. And the Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology will enable energy exchange between the vehicle and the public power grid in the future. This helps customers reduce the total operating costs of the vehicle and contribute to sustainable power usage.

Connect: Stands for comfort “on all levels”: Kia PBVs are meant to be among the most flexible and technologically advanced vehicles in the LCV market. The company is working with Geotab to advance the development of future fleet management. This strategic cooperation will integrate a range of data solutions with enhanced vehicle technology, innovative systems, route optimization, and safety aspects. Geotab is a globally leading provider of connected transportation solutions.

“We have teamed up with Geotab because we share the same goal: to provide first-class fleet management solutions,” says Pierre-Martin Bos, Director PBV at Kia Europe, and adds:

“Together, we are focusing on offering fleet operators advanced technologies and comprehensive data insights needed to optimize operations and enhance driver safety.”