Kia’s new PV5 electric van enters the taxi game
Is it an electric van? A mobile pop-up shop? Taxi? The PV5, Kia’s first electric van, does it all. After launching an exclusive new variant, the Kia PV5 is set to shake up the taxi game.
The PV5 is Kia’s first all-electric van from its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business. Based on a flexible new platform, Kia plans to offer seven PV5 variants, including an open bed model, a refrigerated truck, a luxury passenger, and even a light camper version.
Kia’s electric van is rolling out across Europe and Korea in Passenger and Cargo variations. The PV5 Passenger is designed for personal use, while the Cargo version is built for businesses.
In June, Kia launched the PV5 taxi, a custom-built variant built for transportation services. Based on the PV5, it’s equipped with a 71.2 kWh battery, providing a driving range of 358 km (222 miles). Advertisement - scroll for more content
It also comes with added features for taxis, including protective floor mats, a Type C USB port for rear passengers, a footrest for the driver, sliding second-row doors, and an exclusive entertainment system.
The interior of the Kia PV5 taxi (Source: Kia)
The system received an upgrade after Kia launched the new “All-in-One Display 2,” exclusively available for the electric taxi van.
The new system marks the first time Kia has developed a PBV-specific infotainment system with outside partners.
Kia’s new “All-in-One Display 2” in the PV5 taxi (Source: Kia)
Kia’s infotainment system offers new functions for taxi drivers, including an integrated app, navigation, and streamlined payments. Kia Connect and advanced driving assistance features can now be integrated into the 12.9″ navigation screen.
Starting September 16, customers can purchase the new infotainment display for the PV5 taxi directly on Kia’s website.
The Kia PV5 taxi (Source: Kia)
The Kia PV5 taxi starts at 45,400,000 won ($33,000) in Korea with several different models available. The new All-in-One display 2 is available on Kia’s website for an additional 370,000 won ($268).
A Kia official said, ” Going forward, we plan to continue to introduce innovative and practical customized solutions targeting various industries, such as not only taxis but also logistics and small businesses.
Kia aims to sell about 3,000 to 4,000 PV5 models in its first full sales year. By the end of the decade, however, Kia expects to sell around 17,000 PBVs annually.
Following the PV5, Kia will launch the larger PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029. All PBVs are built at Kia’s Hwaseong EVO plant in South Korea.
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