Kia PV5 Wins 2026 International Van of the Year
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Kia PV5 wins 2026 International Van of the Year
The Kia PV5 has claimed the coveted 2026 International Van of the Year award, marking a historic debut for our first fully electric van. Voted for by a jury of leading commercial vehicle journalists from 26 countries, this accolade highlights the PV5's
innovation, efficiency, and real-world practicality.
“Winning the prestigious International Van of the Year Award is a true honour and a strong endorsement from some of the most respected journalists in the LCV industry,” said Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe, said. “Though new to the LCV market, this achievement confirms Kia’s readiness to deliver engineering, design, and practicality to strengthen our position as a leading mobility solutions provider.”
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A historic debut in the LCV market
The PV5’s recognition as International Van of the Year is Kia’s first victory in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) category.
“The all-electric Kia PV5 sets a new benchmark for innovation, efficiency, and all-round capability in the light commercial vehicle segment,” said Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year jury. “It combines zero-emission performance with versatility and practicality, redefining what businesses can expect from a modern van.”
Following the launch of Kia’s PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle)
in 2022, the PV5 represents the first of a new generation of electric vans designed to meet the evolving demands of customers.
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An electric van that excels in performance and practicality
Built on Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (e-GMP.S) ,
the PV5 delivers up to 258 miles* of all-electric range for the Cargo
version and 256 miles for the Passenger
model. Fast DC charging
enables a 10-80% recharge in under 30 minutes, while the Cargo can carry up to 790kg of payload.
Less than a month after its the launch, the PV5 van also earned a Guinness World Record™ for the “greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge”. The PV5
covered 693.38 kilometres (430.85 miles), an achievement that reinforces its real-world durability and positions it as a benchmark for commercial EVs.
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Design-led innovation and versatility
The Kia PV5 is available in Cargo and Passenger configurations across Europe, with new variants, including the Chassis Cab,
arriving in 2026. Each model is designed with modern business needs in mind, combining thoughtful ergonomics, flexible interiors, and Kia’s signature design DNA.
“In 2022, Kia launched its PBV division with the ambition to redefine the LCV market through innovation, something Kia has always stood for,” said Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of PBV Division at Kia Corporation. “The Kia PV5 brings that vision to life and receiving the International Van of the Year Award with our very first PBV model confirms that we are heading in the right direction.”
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Shaping the future of commercial electric vans
The PV5’s debut and immediate recognition illustrate Kia’s commitment to shaping the future of electric vans. With the larger PV7
and PV9 models already in development, Kia is expanding its PBV lineup
to offer smart, sustainable mobility solutions tailored to commercial needs.
From long-haul deliveries to city commuting and passenger transport, the PV5 redefines electric vans with unmatched efficiency, versatility and advanced technology in one innovative package.
Request a test drive
to see how the Kia PV5 can transform your business.
* The range was determined according to the standardised EU measurement procedure (WLTP) on PV5. The individual driving style and other factors, such as speed, outside temperature, topography and the use of electricity-consuming devices/units, have an influence on the real-life range and can possibly reduce it.
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.
Product availability varies by models. To find out which products are available for your vehicle, please contact your Kia dealer.