Kia has used this year’s Commercial Vehicle Show to broaden its PV5 electric van range, adding two new Cargo variants, confirming its first approved UK conversion partners and outlining a wider push to support business customers beyond the vehicle itself.

New PV5 body styles

The headline additions are the PV5 Cargo L1/H1 and PV5 Cargo L2/H2, both making their European debut at the CV ShowExternal link image in Birmingham. They join the existing L2/H1 and give Kia a broader spread of sizes aimed at different jobs, from tighter urban delivery work to operators needing more load volume.

The smaller PV5 Cargo L1/H1 is aimed squarely at city use. Kia says it offers 4.0m³ of load space, is 200mm shorter than the L2, and is expected to carry up to 800kg. Buyers will be able to choose between 51.5kWh standard-range and 71.2kWh long-range battery options, with an estimated range of up to 248 miles, subject to final homologation. Order books are due to open in July, with first deliveries expected a few months later.

At the other end of the range is the PV5 Cargo L2/H2, which pushes the van further towards medium-van territory, despite still sitting in the small van segment. It offers 5.2m³ of cargo volume, thanks largely to a taller load area measuring 1,815mm high, and is expected to deliver more than 230 miles from its 71.2kWh battery. Payload is currently quoted at up to 630kg, with UK customer deliveries expected in early 2027.

Kia PV5 Cargo L1/H1
Kia PV5 Cargo L1/H1
Kia PV5 Cargo L2/H2
Kia PV5 Cargo L2/H2

Conversion partners in place

Kia has also confirmed the first five companies in its new PBV Conversion Partner programme. They are Würth UK, TGS Automotive Group, CoolKit, Modul-System and GM Coachworks, covering everything from racking and security to refrigerated bodies, lightweight tipper conversions and wheelchair-accessible vehicle conversions.

Kia is showing that the PV5 is developing into more than a single factory van, with a growing ecosystem of specialist adaptations around it. At the show, that includes a Würth-racked PV5 Cargo, a TGS lightweight tipper based on the PV5 Chassis, and a CoolKit fridge conversion.

Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK, said: “Businesses need electric vans that fit straight into their operations, supported by services that make running them simple and predictable. The Kia PV5 is already proving its value on UK roads, and the additions we are announcing today give our customers even more flexibility, capability and confidence.”

Kia PV5 Cargo with Wurth racking

Broader support for business

Kia has also used the show to talk up the wider business support behind the PV5. That includes new PBV service plans and the extension of its Business Service Promise to PBV customers, including a labour rate of £59 per hour plus VAT and 10% off parts. The PV5 is also now available through Kia Rental, allowing businesses to try or hire the van before committing.

Kia has also appointed Ohme and Radius as preferred charging partners for its PBV Centres, with Ohme covering home charging and Radius supporting larger fleet and depot installations. Kia says the tie-up is intended to give business customers a clearer path from vehicle purchase to charging setup, while Ohme points to smart charging features that can help reduce running costs by making better use of cheaper tariffs. For example, Ohme says a full charge for a PV5 Cargo with the 71.2kWh battery could cost as little as £5.70 on a qualifying off-peak tariff.

Kia PV5 Passenger and Ohme charger

Further updates for the PV5 range

There are also product updates on the way for the existing PV5 range. Kia says the PV5 Cargo will gain standard driver’s lumbar support, a height-adjustable armrest, a new composite bulkhead, and a revised roof antenna that brings overall height down to 1,899mm, making access to height-restricted car parks easier. A three-seat layout is also on the way for the L2/H1.

Kia recorded 1,235 registrations of the PV5 Cargo in the first quarter of 2026, putting the manufacturer third in the zero-emission LCV market, behind just Ford and Volkswagen, while its dedicated PBV dealer and service network has now grown to 65 centres.

Phil Huff
Latest posts by Phil Huff (see all)
Published on