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Kia PV5 Cargo Sets Guinness World Record

    • The Kia PV5 Cargo
      With world record-breaking electric range.

    • Kia PV5 Cargo sets Guinness World Record for longest-range electric van



      Kia has officially made history as the PV5 Cargo, our first dedicated electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), entered the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™. It achieved “the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge.”


      Covering 693 km (431 miles) under real-world driving conditions, the PV5 Cargo has set a new global benchmark for the best range for an electric van, proving that efficiency and practicality can go hand in hand.



  • A Guinness World Record that redefines electric van range



    The Kia PV5 Cargo completed its record-breaking journey fully loaded with its maximum permitted payload, demonstrating that range and capability need not be mutually exclusive. Conducted on public roads north of Frankfurt, Germany, on 30 September 2025, the 22-hour, 30-minute drive took place under authentic everyday conditions, including stop-start city traffic, roundabouts, and elevation changes of up to 370 metres.

     

     

    “This record is a testament to the versatility and innovation behind Kia’s first PBV,” said Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “For many of our customers, that kind of range means almost two full working days of operation on a single charge.”

  • Record proves real-world practicality

    The carefully planned test route simulated daily delivery and logistics operations, repeating a 58 km urban and extra-urban loop 12 times. Despite the demanding terrain, the PV5 Cargo maintained impressive efficiency while carrying its full payload, proof of its suitability for sustainable urban travel. Engineers designed the PV5 with real-world operators in mind. Even an additional 100 kg of payload reduces range by only around 1.5%, highlighting its exceptional dependability and endurance for business use.

    • “…almost two full working days on a single charge speaks volumes about its real-world capability.”

  • The people behind the record

    At the forefront of the record-breaking PV5 Cargo were George Barrow, a respected UK commercial vehicle journalist, and Christopher Nigemeier, Senior Engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC).

     

    Barrow, an International Van of the Year (IVOTY) juror, said: “I was genuinely impressed by how far the Kia PV5 could go – more than 430 miles with a full load. That’s no small feat, and I suspect this record won’t be easy to beat.”

     

    Nigemeier added: “It became a friendly challenge between us to see who could squeeze the most from each kilowatt-hour – but in the end, it was the vehicle that amazed us both.”

     

    The record attempt was independently verified by TÜV Hessen and buck Vermessung, ensuring full compliance with Guinness World Records™ standards. GPS tracking and onboard cameras recorded the entire event from start to finish.

    • “In the end, it was the vehicle itself that impressed us…”

  • Innovation from the ground up: Kia’s first PBV

    The PV5 is the first member of Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) family, our new generation of purpose-built electric vans based on the flexible E-GMP.S architecture. This modular “building block” design allows multiple configurations, including Cargo, Passenger, Chassis Cab, and Crew Van. Each electric van adapts to drivers’ specific business or lifestyle needs.

     

    The PV5 Cargo’s record highlights Kia’s commitment to innovation, practicality, and sustainable mobility for the next generation of commercial transport.

  • See the record-breaking PV5 in person

    The Kia PV5 Cargo will be showcased at the Solutrans Tradeshow in Lyon (EurExpo) from 18 November 2025 in Hall 5, Booth C130. Visitors can get an exclusive look at the world’s longest-range electric van, fresh from its Guinness World Record™ achievement.

    • “The Kia PV5 Cargo combines efficiency, flexibility and intelligent connectivity in one package.”

  • Discover the future of electric vans with Kia

    Kia’s record-breaking achievement with the PV5 Cargo marks a new era for electric vans in the UK and beyond, where range, reliability, and practicality meet innovation. Request a test drive to experience the Kia PV5 range and learn more about how our electric van technology is shaping the future of sustainable commercial mobility.

    • “…a demanding but unforgettable journey…”