Kia unveils PV5 Chassis Cab and the Kia Business Solutions Ecosystem at SOLUTRANS 2025: a new benchmark for modular electric vans

• Kia further expands its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy
• The PV5 Chassis Cab’s modular, sub-five-metre design offers payloads up to 1,005 kilogrammes and cargo space up to eight cubic metres
• Co-developed with European converters to support multiple body types and use cases, such as the displayed PV5 food truck
• Kia also introduces the Kia Business Solutions Ecosystem, integrating connectivity and charging services into a single portal for B2B fleet management b
• As the ecosystem grows, it will also provide service, uptime mobility, and other business offers in the future 
• Kia’s exhibition stand at SOLUTRANS also offers the chance to see the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title-holding PV5

Kia has revealed the PV5 Chassis Cab at SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyon, France, Europe’s leading trade show for innovations in the commercial vehicle industry. As the company’s first fully electric dedicated chassis cab model, it marks the next step in its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) journey, combining electric performance, modular versatility, and European-focused adaptability for professional customers.

Built on Kia’s PBV-dedicated E-GMP.S (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service), the PV5 was designed from inception for electrification, efficiency, and conversion flexibility. Depending on configuration, the sub-five-metre vehicle delivers up 1,005 kilogrammes of payload and up to eight cubic metres of cargo space with a High Box. This matches the capabilities of larger D-segment vans while still retaining compact dimensions and a 5.5-metre turning radius for urban manoeuvrability.

“The launch of the PV5 Chassis Cab underscores our commitment to redefining what a light commercial vehicle can be,” said Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “It combines compact efficiency with the carrying capacity of larger vans to offer customers across Europe a responsible, flexible solution for daily operations.”

Maximising conversion simplicity through collaboration

Developed in collaboration with European converters, the PV5 Chassis Cab is the PV5’s most flexible variant, supporting a full range of professional conversions, including the Dropside for construction or farming equipment transport, the Tipper for municipal waste collection, three types of Box Vans for e-commerce parcel logistics, and Refrigerated Vans for grocery delivery.

“We worked closely with converters, fleet managers, and businesses to make the PV5 Chassis Cab a foundation for all possibilities,” said Sjoerd Knipping, Chief Operating Officer at Kia Europe. “It allows customers to create the utility vehicle they need today while being ready for tomorrow’s demands.”

Kia is also presenting a real-world use case for the PV5. Converted into a food truck, the model will offer SOLUTRANS attendees speciality coffee beverages, as well as brioches aux pralines roses, a traditional pastry from Lyon.

Engineered to keep all businesses running

The PV5 Chassis Cab will be offered with two battery options: a 51.5-kWh battery available at launch and a long-range 71.2-kWh battery arriving in 2026. Electric range will vary depending on the vehicle’s conversion, but for reference, the recently launched L2H1 Cargo delivers up to 297 kilometres with the standard battery and 416 kilometres with the long-range battery (WLTP figures). DC fast charging of up to 150 kW enables a 10 to 80 per cent recharge in approximately 30 minutes to minimise downtime, while 22 kW AC charging will be available later.

The structure incorporates a dual-annular steel exoskeleton and rear underrun protection device (RUPD), complemented by an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) suite, including Smart Cruise Control 2 (SCC 2), Lane Following Assist 2 (LFA 2) with Hands-On Detection, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA).

The PV5 Chassis Cab includes Kia’s industry-leading seven-year/150,000-kilometre warranty, extendable by up to 260,000 kilometres, with the battery covered separately for eight years.

The Kia Business Solutions Ecosystem

Kia has also introduced the Kia Business Solutions Ecosystem, a comprehensive suite of connectivity and charging services designed to simplify fleet management, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate electrification for businesses. The ecosystem combines Kia-branded and multi-branded services tailored to various B2B needs.

The services are built around Kia Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV)’s four strategic pillars: DRIVE, CHARGE, CONNECT, and WORK. Together, these solutions form an integrated environment designed to keep businesses mobile, efficient, and connected.

“The Kia Business Solutions Ecosystem extends far beyond the vehicle,” said Pablo Martinez Masip, Vice President Product and Marketing of Kia Europe and COO of Kia Connect Europe. “It connects every touchpoint, starting at purchase and flowing through to charging and digital insights to help businesses manage their fleets more intelligently.”

DRIVE: always connected, always on the road

At the centre of the DRIVE pillar is Kia’s Android OS Infotainment system, providing an always-connected driving interface. It supports AI Assistant, regular over-the-air (OTA) and dynamic map updates, and offers readiness for the PLEOS App Market, laying the foundation for in-car business applications. Drivers can manage and synchronise their profiles via a state-of-the-art 12.9-inch touchscreen, designed to enable smooth daily operations without distraction.

Complementing the digital cockpit, Kia Drive for Business ensures that companies stay operational without downtime. Through Europe-wide rental and replacement services, business users can book vehicles online or via their Kia dealer. They can choose between daily rentals to cover peak demand and flexible monthly options as an alternative to leasing. With more than 150 locations in eight European markets, Kia Drive for Business enables fleet scaling with speed and flexibility.

CHARGE: charge everywhere

The Kia Charge Business service delivers a comprehensive charging network with access to more than one million AC, DC, and high-power charging points across over 30 European countries. With strong coverage along motorways and in urban areas, drivers can recharge conveniently while on the go.

Public charging will be introduced through Deftpower’s SaaS platform, facilitating rapid and seamless integration with Kia’s offerings. Various subscription models are available for public charging, allowing customers to select the option that aligns most closely with their usage requirements. Additionally, Kia offers comprehensive home and depot charging solutions, coordinated and installed via a Europe-wide partner network. This ensures efficient charging processes during non-operational hours.

CONNECT: smart fleet management and data-driven efficiency

Under the CONNECT pillar, Kia Connect provides the Kia | PLEOS Fleet and Fleet API service. This multi-brand, pan-European fleet management platform delivers compatibility without additional hardware, available via flexible monthly subscriptions. It covers administration, reporting, charging, routing, maintenance, safety, and compliance, supported by secure, data-compliant services. For fleet managers, this means reduced costs, improved operational control, and fewer unplanned interruptions. For drivers, it ensures safer and more efficient journeys. A dedicated fleet manager functionality is set to launch in 2026.

Through the Kia Connect Push API, fleet operators can access data bundles, including mileage, charging status, GPS data, trip history, and vehicle diagnostics. Customer must use the Kia Connect website to access this service.

Business Mode in the Kia App brings these features together on one mobile platform. Fleet managers can manage up to five Kia vehicles directly in the app, free of charge, viewing charging activity, trip history, and vehicle data. Drivers benefit from a simple onboarding experience and easy access to vehicle connectivity and online service booking.

WORK: one portal for all business needs

The Kia Business Solutions portal serves as the central entry point to the entire ecosystem. Connected to Kia Charge Business, Kia | PLEOS Fleet, and Kia Connect Push API, and Business Mode in the Kia App, it enables full user and vehicle management with secure access rights. Fleet operators can easily onboard new vehicles, assign user roles, and ecosystem services in just a few clicks.

For fleets that include non-connected vehicles, Kia’s Fleet Management System offers an optional Geotab device. In the coming years, the Kia Business Solutions Ecosystem will continue to offer new features, such as Service and Kia Drive for Business, among others, to improve business efficiency for our customers.

The Kia PV5: an award-winning van

Less than one year on the market, the PV5 has already collected several accolades. Prior to launch, the model won the ‘One to Watch’ Award at the 2025 What Van? Awards. The candidates were assessed by an experienced panel of independent judges from across the LCV sector, and the award was given to the most appealing and interesting vehicle set to change, invigorate, or even disrupt the sector.

Following media test drives in Marbella, Spain earlier this year, the PV5 was also named The Sun’s ‘Van of the Year’ at the 2025 News UK Motor Awards. The title was judged by a panel of News UK’s expert automotive journalists. Most recently, the PV5 was named ‘Best Electric Van’ and ‘Van of the Year’ at the 2026 Parkers Van and Pickup Awards.

In September, the Kia PV5 Cargo Long Range 4-door variant set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title. The company’s first dedicated eLCV achieved “The greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge”. With a 71.2-kWh battery and its maximum authorised payload of 665 kilogrammes, the PV5 covered 693.38 kilometres. This feat underscores its efficiency and reliability in real-world conditions.

Kia at SOLUTRANS 2025

Along with the PV5 Chassis Cab, the world-record-holding PV5 will be present at SOLUTRANS 2025. From 18 to 22 November, SOLUTRANS 2025 attendees will be able to find the Kia Europe exhibition stand in Hall 5, C 130. 

Visitors can explore the world of PBV and experience different variants of the PV5 up close, as well as discover an ecosystem of Kia business solutions, including PBV Charging, Kia Drive for Business, Kia Business Solutions, Business Mode for the Kia App, Kia PLEOS Fleet, Push Data API, and Android Automotive OS Infotainment System. 

Technical Specifications

The Kia PV5 Chassis Cab