Kia plans to have 14 electrical automobiles in its lineup as quickly as 2027, and a few of these will probably be purpose-built automobiles designed to satisfy a buyer’s particular wants, equivalent to supply vans or shuttles.
Kia previewed a few of its upcoming purpose-built automobiles with ideas throughout 2024 CES, albeit with none powertrain particulars.
Now a camouflaged prototype for a manufacturing mannequin has been noticed. It is a midsize van that is prone to carry the PV5 identify into manufacturing. The identify was connected to the idea that served as a preview of the van at CES.
The idea measured near 183 inches lengthy and had a wheelbase of just about 118 inches, and the manufacturing mannequin seems to be about that measurement. A bigger van measuring greater than 207 inches lengthy, dubbed the PV7, was additionally proven.
Relying on the way it’s configured, the PV5 might function a supply van, a passenger van, a camper van, or a taxi. Kia has additionally proven a configuration that might be used as a robotaxi, one thing Kia plans to make use of itself.
Kia additionally plans to supply the PV5 as a chassis cab, which is able to allow house owners to construct the automobile to completely go well with their wants, a observe often known as upfitting.
Kia PBV Ideas
The PV5 is anticipated to debut in 2025 as the primary of Kia’s new purpose-built automobiles.
Kia can even launch a purpose-built automobile designed for taxi providers utilizing its Niro compact crossover as the premise.