The Kia PV5 van is not expected to arrive here until later 2026. But overseas it has been taking the world by storm.
Adding to the PV5’s credentials is its now being awarded the ‘2026 International Van of the Year’ (IVOTY) prize. The award was presented on November 19 at the IVOTY Award in Lyon, France, following a unanimous decision by 26 of the leading commercial vehicle journalists from around the world.
Established in 1992, IVOTY is recognised as the most authoritative global award in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector.
Winners are selected through a comprehensive assessment of how each model contributes to improving real-world productivity and advancing the LCV segment. Criteria include technological innovation, operational efficiency, safety and environmental performance.
“Congratulations to Kia for winning the prestigious 34th International Van of the Year Award,” said Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year jury. “The all-electric Kia PV5 sets a new benchmark for innovation, efficiency, and all-round capability in the light commercial vehicle segment. It combines zero-emission performance with versatility and practicality, redefining what businesses can expect from a modern van. Kia has long been celebrated for its award-winning cars, and now, its van division is making an equally powerful impact on the industry.”
So what is the Kia PV5? As noted earlier in TheDriven, the PV5 is Kia’s first eLCV and the inaugural model in its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) line-up. Built on a dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), the PV5 offers an all-electric range (WLTP) of up to 416 km for the long wheelbase cargo van and 412 km for the 5-seater passenger version.
It is currently offered in Europe and South Korea in long wheelbase (LWB), low roof cargo van and 5-seater passenger versions, with two battery pack options (51.5 and 71.2). 2026 will see three additional versions added to those markets (cab-chassis, short wheelbase/low-roof and long wheelbase high-roof).
It will be interesting to see how many (if any) of these additional versions will be offered at the launch of the PV5 here. Currently, Kia have announced there will be passenger, cargo and cab-chassis versions at launch here.
To give some indication of possible Australian pricing: UK prices start at £27,645 +VAT (A$56,000 + GST) for the LWB low roof cargo van with the smaller 51.5kWh battery. This rises to £30,145 +VAT (A$61,140 +GST) with the long-range battery.
Interestingly, the PV5 qualifies for the full £5,000/A$10,100 OZEV Plug-in Van Grant there. (Australian federal and state governments, please take note if you want to support an early reduction of transport emissions here!).
Bryce Gaton is an expert on electric vehicles and contributor for The Driven and Renew Economy. He has been working in the EV sector since 2008 and is currently working as EV electrical safety trainer/supervisor for the University of Melbourne. He also provides support for the EV Transition to business, government and the public through his EV Transition consultancy EVchoice.
