The Kia PV5 Cargo sets a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS^TM title: 693.38 kilometres on a single charge with maximum payload

• The Kia PV5 Cargo sets a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS^TM for electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs)

• The model travelled 693.38 km on a single charge while carrying its maximum payload*

• The achievement highlights the efficiency, flexibility, and real-world practicality of Kia’s first PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle)

• The Kia PV5 goes on sale in Ireland this December from €33,230 ex-VAT

28 October 2025 – Kia has made history, setting a new global benchmark for all-electric range (AER). The Kia PV5 Cargo, the company’s first dedicated electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) and part of its pioneering Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) line-up, has officially broke a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for achieving: “The greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge is 693.38 km”.

The PV5 Cargo Long Range 4-door variant, featuring a 71.2 kWh battery, was utilised for the trial with its maximum authorised payload of 665kg**. It covered 693.38 kilometres on a single charge, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and endurance in the eLCV segment. The record-breaking drive took place on 30 September 2025 under authentic, real-world conditions on public roads north of Frankfurt, Germany.

“Even if Kia is new to the LCV market, this record is a testament to the versatility and innovation behind Kia’s first PBV, showing that we are serious contenders.” said Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “The fact that much of our target audience for this van variant could operate for almost two full working days on a single charge speaks volumes about its real-world capability. The PV5 combines efficiency, flexibility, and intelligent connectivity in one package.”

The record route was carefully designed to replicate the daily realities of delivery and logistics operations. Over a 58.2-kilometre urban and extra-urban loop, the PV5 Cargo faced traffic lights, intersections, roundabouts, and typical city traffic — mirroring the conditions most logistics drivers encounter every day. On top of this, the van repeatedly tackled an elevation gain of approximately 370 metres, completing the loop 12 times while carrying its full payload, and finally coming to a stop within the twelfth loop. The challenging conditions underscore the PV5 Cargo’s superior efficiency and reliability. Designed by engineers to optimise practical usability, the PV5 serves as a highly dependable solution for sustainable urban mobility without compromising performance.

At the wheel of the record-setting PV5 were George Barrow, a respected commercial vehicle journalist who specialises in vans and Christopher Nigemeier, a senior engineer at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC). The award-winning journalist has more than 15 years of experience covering LCVs. He has also been on the jury of International Van of the Year (IVOTY) Award since 2016, representing the UK. Nigemeier, holds degrees in mechanical engineering and has been part of the PV5 development team.

“I'm genuinely excited to have been part of this incredible GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title – it was a demanding but unforgettable journey,” said Barrow. “I was seriously impressed by how far the Kia PV5 can go: more than 430 miles (693km) on a single charge and with a full payload. That’s no small feat, and I have a feeling this record won’t be easy to beat! The PV5 and Christopher were great teammates for this challenge, and I’m proud to have been part of a record that pushes the boundaries for electric vans.”

“As an engineer, this challenge was both technical and personal,” said Christopher Nigemeier, Senior Engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre. “George brought an incredible amount of driving experience from testing other vans, while I had the advantage of knowing the PV5’s powertrain inside out. It became a friendly competition between us — who could squeeze the most out of each kilowatt-hour. In the end, it was the vehicle itself that impressed us both.”

The record attempt was meticulously prepared. Inspectors from TÜV Hessen and buck Vermessung supervised the loading process and verified compliance with weight specifications. The drive was continuously recorded using GPS tracking and in-cabin cameras.  Before departure, the PV5’s battery was charged to 100 per cent and both the charging port and cargo compartment were sealed until the end of the 22-hour, 30-minute journey.

The first member of Kia’s flexible PBV family

As the inaugural model in Kia’s PBV family, the PV5 is built on the innovative E-GMP.S architecture (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service) and designed with a modular “building block” concept. This flexibility allows for multiple configurations—Cargo, Passenger, Chassis Cab, and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle*** — to suit a wide range of commercial and personal applications.

The PV5 Cargo variant offers up to 4.4 cubic meters of load space**** and a payload capacity of up to 790 kilograms**. Arriving in Ireland this December, the PV5 Cargo is available in two trim levels with the K2 model featuring impressive specification as standard including twin side-opening doors, LED headlights, digital key, air conditioning, heated seats and steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, towbar wiring, Highway Driving Assist (HDA), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS) at a competitive starting price of just €33,230 ex-VAT. In addition, the K4 models feature ventilated cloth and leather seats, 360° Surround View Monitor (SVM), Blind-spot View Monitors (BVM), electric folding mirrors and Blind-spot Collision Avoidance Assist with a starting price of €35,100 ex-VAT. The PV5 Cargo will come as standard with a 71.2 kWh long range battery option and Kia Ireland will operate their PBV business from nine existing Kia dealerships, for more information see Kia.com. 

– Ends –

Notes to editors

* The on-site measurement of the fully loaded test vehicle, the PV5 Cargo Long Range, was 2,652 kg (verified by TüV Hessen), with an allowable weight scale deviation of 4 kg.

** Maximum payloads: 790 kg (3-door, 51.2 kWh), 690 kg (3-door, 71.2 kWh), 745 kg (4-door, 51.2 kWh), and 665 kg (4-door, 71.2 kWh).

*** The Kia PV5 Crew and Camper variants are not mentioned among those vehicles as those are designed as conversion models and are non-modular concepts.

**** The Kia PV5 Cargo offers 4.4 cubic metres of cargo space in its L2H1 configuration. The L2H2 configuration, which will be launched next year, will offer more capacity.

For additional information please contact:

Cathal Kealey

Head of Marketing & PR @ Kia Ireland

[email protected]

086-2290649

About Guiness World Records

What’s the fastest game bird in Europe? This was the question that inspired the founding of Guinness World Records back in 1955. Starting with a single book published from a room above a gym, GWR has grown to become a global multi-media brand, with offices in London, New York, Beijing, Tokyo and Dubai. Today, we deliver world-class content, not just through books, but via TV shows, social media and live events. Our in-house consultancy works closely with brands and businesses around the world to harness the power of record-breaking and deliver award-winning campaigns and business solutions.

Through our in-house production arm, GWR Studios, we create standout content for broadcasters, brand partners and digital platforms. Our Entertainment Services division brings the best of the GWR brand to life in a diverse range of live experiences where visitors can discover and even attempt official world records. Whatever the medium, our ultimate purpose is to make the world a more interesting, fun and positive place. To join this record-breaking community – and find out the answer to that original question – visit www.guinnessworldrecords.com.

About TüV Hessen

TÜV Hessen stands for the safety and sustainability of products, plants and services and the safe interaction of people, technology and the environment. In technical testing and certification, TÜV Hessen is the market leader in Hesse, but also in demand throughout Germany and internationally successful. TÜV Hessen has more than 60 locations in Hesse and branches in four other German states. With their comprehensive expertise, many years of experience and high service quality, around 1,350 highly qualified employees are valuable partners - for both business and private customers.

TÜV Hessen offers around 220 TÜV® services in the Auto Service,  Industrial Service, Real Estate, Life Service and Management Systems Business Streams. With the added value provided by our globally recognized, high-quality certificates and quality seals, our customers' products and services gain a clear competitive edge. TÜV Hessen is an associated company of TÜV SÜD AG (55 percent) and the State of Hesse (45 percent) and generated sales of around 171 million euros in 2021. Information and contacts at www.tuev-hessen.de

About buck Vermessung

buck Vermessung is one of Germany’s leading surveying companies, with more than 39 years of experience and offices in Kassel and Frankfurt am Main. Our team of over 70 experts provides comprehensive surveying services, including cadastral and engineering surveys, 3D laser scanning, drone surveying, and BIM-based solutions. As publicly appointed surveyors (ÖbVI), we are authorized to perform official cadastral surveys and deliver legally binding reports. Combining cutting-edge technology with precision and transparency, we are a trusted partner for developers, municipalities, architects, and private clients. For more information, visit: www.buck-vermessung.de