Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) Impresses at CES 2024
Kia revealed its first Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2024 in Las Vegas in January. Returning to the CES conference after 5 years, Kia introduced five PBV concept models, including the ‘PV5’; an all-new modular vehicle that will initially lead the PBV business.
Alongside the PBV model unveiling, the CES event also set the stage for Kia to present its vision for how PBVs will revolutionise the future of mobility and bring to a life a true customer-centric approach.
We are thrilled to share more details on this pioneering PBV concept model with our Kia family.
Showcasing a new generation of mobility
CES is one of the most powerful and influential tech shows of the year, providing the perfect global stage to unveil Kia’s trailblazing PBV offering. After a five-year absence from CES, we returned in 2024 with two innovative exhibitions: ‘Place of Inspiration’ and ‘All Set EV-Life For Everyone’.
The PBV exhibition was based on a ‘Place of Inspiration’ theme, showcasing the diverse ways in which our PBVs can reimagine mobility and shape lives.
The exhibit was split into four lifestyle and experience displays: park, city, home and factory. Together, these highlighted the numerous applications and benefits of Kia PBV technology. This included the unveiling of five PBV concept models: three PV5 derivatives, the PV7 and the PV1.
The second exhibition focused on the Kia EV revolution,
displayed under the theme of ‘All Set EV-Life For Everyone’. It showcased the Concept EV3
and EV4, as well as the award-winning EV6
and EV9
production models.
Visitors could also discover more about Kia’s newest sustainable car
technologies and the power of electric.
The display included V2H power supply and Vehicle to Load
camping demonstrations and Advanced Highway Driving Assist (AHDA) and Highway Driving Pilot System (HDP) driving simulations.
A flexible, purpose-built vehicle that is truly individual
As the name suggests, our Purpose Built Vehicles will be holistically engineered for an individual experience. Using Easy-Swap technology, each PBV will have customisable modifications to fully personalise the vehicle to every customer’s unique needs.
“[The PBV vehicle] offers the user a blank canvas on which users can redefine their needs of space and mobility, and freeing them completely from the restrictions of conventional vehicular norms,” says Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design.
The vehicle is built around a fixed cab (a ‘driver zone’) behind which different interchangeable modules (‘life modules’) can be attached via a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling unit. With a variety of different life modules, the vehicle has the flexibility to transform in line with driver needs.
The result is a vehicle that goes beyond the one-dimensional structure of OEM’s traditional line up and driving experience. This concept is named ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’.
Habib describes the flexible and ultimate customer-centric product: “We’re creating new spaces – a living room, an office of even a workshop – that can help our customers live and work the way they want.”
Revolutionising the future of mobility
At Kia, we’re committed to building a PBV offering that transforms the landscape of mobility, in a sustainable way. Using our industry-leading innovations and electric capabilities, our revolutionary PBV platform will be supported by a dedicated and comprehensive business system.
“Our PBV strategy will be an enabler of business innovation thanks to our customer-centric management system, EV mass production expertise, and the Hyundai Motor Group’s quickly materializing Software Defined Vehicle strategy and related future businesses,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia President and CEO.
The PBV roadmap is made up of three phases.
Phase 1 will see the introduction of the PV5 as a versatile base model. The PV5 will be available in four different versions: People Mover, High Roof, Robotaxi and Pickup. These will each offer unique specifications and features, like a spacious interior and excellent loading capacity (People Mover), and a revolutionary self-driving experience for passengers (Robotaxi).
Phase 2 kickstarts the expansion of the PVB lineup, with the launch of the PV7 and the PV1. During this phase, the PVB ecosystem will further develop, facilitating greater connection and interactivity between models.
Finally, Phase 3 will see the implementation and realisation of highly personalised mobility solutions, using integrated Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and other advanced robotics.
You can explore more about our PBV Conversion
presented at CES 2024 on YouTube, or browse our current Motability car
offers. Get ready for a future that goes beyond mobility.
Images shown are for illustration purposes only and may not be to full UK specification. Features shown are not standard across the Kia model range and availability will vary dependant on model. For further details please refer to the individual model specification sheets.