KIA’s electric PV5 wins International Van of the Year Award

Kia’s all-electric PV5 has been named the ‘2026 International Van of the Year’ 
(IVOTY), at the IVOTY Award Gala during SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyon, France, 
following a vote by a jury representing 26 countries. 
Based on Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), the PV5 
Cargo offers up to 41z6 kilometres of all-electric range (AER, WLTP), with DC 
charging from 10 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes and a payload capacity of up to 
790 kilogrammes. Additionally, the PV5 has also already earned a GUINNESS 
WORLD RECORDS™ title for “the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery- 
powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge”, achieving 693.38 
kilometres. 
Irish juror and Chairman of the International Van of the Year jury, Jarlath Sweeney, 
commenting on the award, said, “Congratulations to Kia for winning the prestigious 
34 th  International Van of the Year Award, the all-electric Kia PV5 sets a new 
benchmark for innovation, efficiency, and all-round capability in the light 
commercial vehicle segment. It combines zero-emission performance with versatility 
and practicality, redefining what businesses can expect from a modern van. Kia has 
long been celebrated for its award-winning cars, and now, its van division is making 
an equally powerful impact on the industry.” 
 
Ho Sung Song, President & CEO of Kia Corporation, replying in appreciation, said, 
“Kia has long stood at the forefront of EV innovation, and the PV5 brings that 
leadership into the commercial vehicle space with purpose. We developed the PV5 by 
listening closely to our business customers and by focusing on creating a vehicle that 
is both highly practical and distinctly Kia in its refined, modern design and 
functionality. Also, the PV5 brings innovation in the traditional LCV production 
through our conveyor and cell integrated manufacturing system enabling 
environmental modification process. To have the PV5 named International Van of 
the Year in its debut is an exceptional honour. It reinforces our belief that Kia can 
redefine this segment and continue shaping the future of smart, sustainable and 
electric mobility for businesses around the world.” 
 
Kia’s all-electric PV5 was listed for consideration alongside six other models 
launched in 2025, including two other electric vans, further highlighting the growing 
importance of electrification as the industry accelerates toward a more sustainable 
future. 
Marc Hedrich, President & CEO of Kia Europe stated, “Winning the prestigious 
International Van of the Year Award is a true honour and a strong endorsement from 
some of the most respected journalists in the LCV industry, especially as the first 
vehicles are just arriving in Europe. Though new to the LCV market, this 
achievement confirms Kia’s readiness to deliver engineering, design, and practicality 
to strengthen our position as a leading mobility solutions provider. Our sincere 
thanks go to the IVOTY jurors for this recognition and to all Kia employees for their 
dedication.” 
 
 

Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of PBV Division at Kia Corporation 
added, “In 2022, Kia launched its PBV division with the ambition to redefine the 
LCV market through innovation, something Kia has always stood for. The Kia PV5 
brings that vision to life and receiving the International Van of the Year Award with 
our very first PBV model confirms that we are heading in the right direction.  This 
award marks an important milestone, yet our journey to deliver meaningful value to 
customers continues as we expand the PBV line-up.” 
 
Launching in Cargo and Passenger versions, the PV5 will be joined from 2026 by 
new variants, including a Chassis Cab, short-wheelbase Cargo (L1H1), and High Roof 
(L2H2). The larger PV7 and PV9 are currently in development. In Ireland, the PV5 
Cargo goes on sale next month and will come as standard with a 71.2 kWh long range 
battery, priced from just €33,230 ex-VAT. 
 
For more information see Kia.com.