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Australia gets Kia's first purpose-built electric van
Kia has put a price on the PV5 Cargo, its new zero-emission commercial van, and opened orders in Australia. Offered in a single specification — the PV5 Cargo S 4DR Long Range — the light commercial electric van carries a recommended retail price of AU$55,990 (roughly US$39,315 at current exchange rates). The PV5 Cargo aims to blend practical load-hauling ability with the efficiency and low running costs of an EV.
What is the PV5 Cargo?
While the regular PV5 is designed as a people carrier with a minimalist, futuristic cockpit and flexible seating, the Cargo version is purpose-built for business. It shares the PV5’s clean exterior lines and pared-back cabin but focuses on practicality: a flat load area, easy-access doors, and utility-minded features for urban delivery and service fleets.
Dimensions and load space
Kia quotes exterior dimensions of 4,695 mm long, 1,895 mm wide and 1,899 mm tall, riding on a 2,995 mm wheelbase. The load bay swallows up to 4,420 liters (around 156 cu ft) and the van has a maximum payload of 740 kg. The vehicle’s curb weight is listed at 1,910 kg.
The front-wheel-drive layout removes the need for a central driveshaft, allowing a lower loading step and easier in-and-out access. Practical touches include dual sliding side doors, twin swing rear doors with detachable hinges that can open 180 degrees, and an interior outlet to power tools on site.
Powertrain, charging and range
Under the floor sits a 71.2 kWh battery pack feeding a front-mounted electric motor that produces 120 kW (around 161 hp) and 250 Nm of torque. Kia claims a WLTP range of up to 416 km (about 258 miles) on a full charge — a competitive figure for light commercial urban use, though WLTP numbers are often optimistic in real-world delivery cycles.
Fast charging capability is strong: at a 350 kW DC fast charger the PV5 Cargo can top from 10 to 80 percent in around 30 minutes. A full charge from 10 to 100 percent on an 11 kW AC wallbox takes approximately six and a half hours, suitable for overnight replenishment.
Cabin, connectivity and convenience
The PV5 Cargo’s cabin mixes utility and tech. Key features include a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 7.5-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless phone charging, a column-mounted shift-by-wire stalk, smart key with push-button start, and vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality to power external devices from the battery.
Kia also highlights smart storage compartments, easy-to-reach dashboard trays and a low beltline that improves visibility — useful when navigating tight urban streets.
Safety and driver assistance
Kia outfits the PV5 Cargo with a comprehensive suite of driver aids aimed at reducing urban collisions and easing highway driving. Standard systems include:
- Forward collision-avoidance assist
- Lane following and lane keeping assist
- Highway driving assist
- Intelligent speed limit assist
- Blind-spot view monitor
- Surround view camera system
These features reinforce the PV5 Cargo’s appeal to fleet operators who value safety, driver comfort and reduced downtime.
Market positioning and outlook
Built on Kia’s E-GMP.S architecture for commercial EVs, the PV5 Cargo represents the brand’s first dedicated electric van and a clear push into the growing electric light commercial vehicle segment. Priced at AU$55,990, it targets small business owners, last-mile delivery operators and tradespeople looking for a practical, low-emission work vehicle.
Fleet buyers will weigh factors beyond sticker price — total cost of ownership, local charging infrastructure, payload needs and residual values — but the PV5’s range, fast-charging capability and smart load-oriented design give it a credible foothold.
Quick highlights
- Price: AU$55,990 (PV5 Cargo S 4DR Long Range) - Battery: 71.2 kWh; motor: 120 kW (161 hp) - Range: up to 416 km (WLTP) - Cargo capacity: 4,420 liters; payload: 740 kg - Fast charge 10-80% ≈ 30 minutes (350 kW)
If you operate in city centers or run short-to-medium routes, the PV5 Cargo is a practical and feature-rich EV alternative to conventional combustion vans. As charging networks expand and total cost of ownership shifts in favor of electrification, vans like the PV5 will increasingly appeal to commercial buyers seeking cleaner, quieter fleet options.
Source: autoevolution
Comments
driveline
Payload 740kg sounds kinda light for trades. Is WLTP 416km realistic with full load and urban stops? Curious about fast-charge life tho...
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