Yes, you read that right. Kia UK is stepping boldly into the commercial vehicle market, kicking things off with its first-ever electric van. This April, they’ll unveil their shiny new venture at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle (CV) Show.

Taking centre stage at stand 5C95 will be the PV5 – Kia’s all-electric mid-size van. It’s a bold move from a brand better known for practical family SUVs and hatchbacks. Kia’s here to tell us they’re not just about the school run anymore; now they want to help you run your business too.

PBV: A New Acronym to Learn

First off, let’s talk about Kia’s new favourite acronym, PBV. Globally, it stands for ‘Purpose Built Vehicle’ and ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle,’ which sounds very high-tech and serious. But in the UK, Kia’s decided to switch it up to ‘Professional Business Vans.’ It’s a bit of a rebrand for their commercial vehicle division, and let’s face it, it’s easier to remember if you’re not into decoding corporate jargon.

This move isn’t just about launching a van; it’s about establishing Kia as a serious player in the commercial vehicle world. Think dedicated van centres and tailored services for UK businesses. Bold, right?

The PV5: Kia’s Big Bet

Now, let’s talk about the PV5. It’s Kia’s first-ever electric van, and it’s not here to play it safe. Built on a dedicated EV platform, the PV5 is designed to tackle everything from deliveries and utilities to passenger transport. There’s even a chassis cab version, which is almost unheard of in the mid-size van market and offers all sorts of customisation options.

This van’s got some smarts too. Kia’s partnering with Geotab to give fleet operators enhanced management tools, and the on-board tech includes access to the Android App store. So yes, you can probably stream your favourite podcast while checking delivery routes.

And of course, it’s covered by Kia’s famous seven-year/100,000-mile warranty. That’s some solid reassurance for businesses dipping their toes into the electric van market.

Kia’s Electric Gamble

So, why is Kia doing this? Paul Philpott, Kia UK’s President and CEO, explains that the PV5 arrives at a pivotal moment for the UK market, as both cars and vans are making the big shift to electric. Kia’s strategy? Take it slow and steady. They’re planning a phased launch to make sure everything’s up to their usual standards, from sales and customer care to aftercare services.

Philpott’s confident this new venture will help businesses meet their carbon reduction goals without compromising on practicality. But let’s be honest, this is still a pretty gutsy move for a brand with zero prior experience in the van market. Will they pull it off? Time will tell.

Why This Actually Matters

Jokes aside, Kia’s entry into the commercial vehicle sector is a big deal. The PV5 comes at a time when businesses are under pressure to go green, and having a reliable, well-thought-out electric van option could make all the difference. Mike Costain, Event Director for the CV Show, seems pretty excited about it, calling Kia’s debut a sign of the growing momentum behind electrification in the commercial vehicle world.

For Kia, this is a chance to prove they’re more than just a passenger car brand. And for businesses, it’s an opportunity to jump on the EV bandwagon with a van that promises reliability and flexibility.

Go See It for Yourself

If you’re curious (or just want to see how Kia’s first attempt at a van stacks up), head to the 2025 CV Show and check out stand 5C95. The PV5 might just surprise you – and who knows, it could be the start of a whole new chapter for Kia UK.