Kia’s first PBV (Purpose Built Vehicle), PV5
Set to begin mass production in 2025
Kia plans to mass-produce its first Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) model, PV5, as early as mid-2025. PBV is purpose-based mobility and a customized vehicle that can be developed and manufactured into completely different models depending on each person’s personality or needs. Due to these characteristics, PBV is evaluated as the vehicle that best approaches the concept of space beyond a means of transportation.
Kia, which announced plans to mass produce the PV5, is already a leader in the PBV industry. In January 2024, Kia signed a partnership with Uber in recognition of the excellence of its PBV. Uber plans to provide PV5-based taxis through this partnership, securing more space and habitability than existing taxis. Let’s find out why the PV5, which has been highly anticipated even before mass production, is called the future of Kia.
The Reason Purpose-Based Mobility is Possible: This Technology
The success of developing a modular electric vehicle platform made mass production of PBV vehicles possible. This platform allows space to be reorganized according to purpose, making it possible to develop and produce customized vehicles. Kia’s PV5 was also developed and produced through this technology. Kia, which first unveiled the 2023 PV5, introduced a technology that changed its purpose by replacing modules on a skateboard-shaped platform. It was named the technology Easy Swap.
Kia’s first PBV model, the mid-sized PV5, will be used in the people mover & delivery field. Additionally, in the mid- to long-term, by combining self driving technology, Kia is preparing to expand into a wider field. To this end, Kia is currently focusing on developing a self-driving robotaxi based on PV5 with self-driving startup Motional.
Kia’s first PBV, PV5, is almost ready for mass production
After the brand relaunch, Kia launched mid-sized and large vehicles, such as EV6 and EV9, one after another. Kia has succeeded in commercializing the latest technology and has improved its understanding of reconstruction compared to other companies through 30 years of modifying military vehicles. This experience will help Kia shine in the PBV market. A Kia official expressed confidence in the success of PBV, saying, “We are a company that has almost succeeded in PBV for a very long time.“
To mass produce PBVs, Kia is establishing a plant dedicated to PBV electric vehicles in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, and the annual production capacity of this plant is said to be up to 150,000 units. For full-scale mass production in 2025, Kia has recently been recruiting PBV-related employees through open recruitment for new employees. There is great anticipation for the completeness of the first PBV, PV5, scheduled to be launched in 2025.
Does it end with PV5?
Following the mass production of PV5 in 2025, the large-sized PBV, PV7, is also scheduled to be released immediately. The PV7, scheduled to be launched in 2027, is the largest in the lineup, boasts a larger width, height, and wheelbase than the Staria, and is expected to be used for logistics, shuttle, and family vans. The PV7 will be produced in small quantities in 2027 at Kia’s PBV electric vehicle factory in Hwaseong-si and then mass-produced in 2028.
In addition, Kia plans to provide Kia Connect, which offers PBV diagnosis and prevention services, and software that provides optimal driving and charging routes. Through this, Kia plans to do its best to expand infrastructure for successful PBV distribution. The starting price of PV5, which will be released in 2025, is known to be about $ 34,367, and the price is expected to vary depending on modules or options.
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