Kia enters the commercial vehicle business

Now we were able to drive the Kia PV5 Cargo on the asphalt for the first time – a convincing test drive with nice extras at a competitive price.

Yes, Kia could already Commercial Vehicles: Until 2006, the Pregio was available in two engine versions, then the vans were discontinued. Until now. Kia is radically committed to a new beginning and wants offer a model on a purely battery-electric platform in all light commercial vehicle classes. The first is the PV5, there will probably be another PV3, a PV7 and a PV9, a strong competitor to the established providers. We've now had the opportunity to test the PV5 on the road for the first time – and it's already clear: VW ID Buzz Cargo, Ford Transit Connect & Co. from the same class have to brace themselves.

4,4 cubic meters of loading volume

The Kia PV5 is available with three battery packs for short, medium, and long ranges. Photo: © Kia

Visually, the PV5 is a challenge. The angular design in gray and black tones is striking, similar to the ID Buzz, and simultaneously signals that there's plenty of space inside. 4,695 Meters it is long, the length of the Loading space is 2.255 meters. The width is 1,895 MetersWith the mirrors folded out, it is 2,255 metres, so that on motorway construction sites only lanes with a minimum width of 2,30 metres are allowed. It is 1,899 meters highWith a wheelbase of 2,995 meters, the driver also has plenty of space. Short overhangs at the front and rear, 4,4 cubic meter fit into the cargo space of the PV5 with long wheelbase, which will be followed by a short-wheelbase version next year.

Driving is precise and – thanks to the electric motor, but also acoustic glass and optimized sound insulation – refreshingly quiet and low vibrationThe engine has a power of 89 kW / 122 hp or 120 kW / 163 hp, both of which are sufficient for a torque of 250 Newton meters and take the van to accelerate to a maximum of 135 km/h. That is enough for a Reach from up to 416 kilometers, when the battery under the hood operates at 71,2 kWh hours. Two more batteries for short and medium ranges will follow: They have a capacity of 43,3 or 51,5 kWhthat for Ranges of maximum 238 and 297 kilometers in the Cargo version. The small battery is reserved exclusively for the Cargo variant; moreover, the figures are somewhat lower for passenger vans.

Classic loading times

The PV5 can carry up to 690 kilograms of cargo. Photo: © Kia

To charge the battery, you can use Direct current at 150 kW Fill. More isn't possible because Kia still relies on the 400-volt grid for the PV5. It then takes less than 30 minutes to bring the capacity from ten to 80 percentAlternatively, the car can be charged with alternating current at 11 or 22 kW, but the charging times are correspondingly longer. 

Kia has a formula for the reduction in range due to payload: For every 100 kg of payload, the range is reduced by 1,49 percent – ​​and the PV5 can maximum load 690 kilograms. He can also Hook up 750 kilograms, as passenger transporters they are even 1,5 tonsFor the test drive, the van carried a 400 kg payload, which had a barely noticeable impact on performance. Only the recuperation process is quiet, as the load pushes the vehicle forward and does not act almost like a brake, as it does when unladen. Thanks to the i-Pedal (Intelligent Pedal), driving with just one pedal is also possible; from level 0, it takes four clicks to reach this level. Maneuverability is smooth: 5,5 meter radius and thus a Turning circle diameter of eleven meters ensure that the Cargo can move forward even in narrow streets.

High level of assistance comfort

A view of the tidy dashboard in the Kia PV5 Photo: © Kia

Kia also doesn’t skimp on assistance systems. Best-in-class is the level of the numerous assistance systems, which ensure driving safety, driving comfort, and parking safety. Those accustomed to high standards from the passenger car sector will find no difference in the PV5. The dashboard is not overloaded, offers a nice overview with all information and intuitively findable functions. You can be Turn your mobile phone into a digital key and use it to control your vehicleAlso practical: Kia worked on the bodywork in small parts to keep repair costs as low as possible in the event of damage.

And finally ... A practical and visually successful commercial vehicle with great driving characteristics, which also comes with a real price tag. The PV5 can be ordered for a net price of 32.932,77 euros, but there is the van with a long wheelbase, the medium 51,5 kWh battery and the small electric motor. Anyone who wants the powerful battery with the large engine will have to 36.810,92 euros net put on the table.

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