Kia Launches PV5 Electric Pickup in South Korea

Kia is now marketing its PV5 electric pickup in South Korea, priced at 43.45 million won—roughly $25,200. The model borrows the PV5 van's architecture up to the B-pillar, then adds an open bed measuring 2.42 x 1.75 meters at the rear.

"680 horsepower for a plug-in hybrid—nothing like it in this category" — Bentley Technical Director

The Korean manufacturer has just opened order books for its PV5 pickup on its home market. This variant of the electric van adopts a configuration similar to the Volkswagen e-Transporter in its platform variant, but with a single cab instead of a double. A shrewd move, really—why reinvent the wheel when you can simply remove the roof and extend the cargo floor?

Generous Dimensions for Professionals

The PV5 pickup measures 5.04 meters in length, 1.90 meters wide, and 1.95 meters tall. Its bed boasts practical dimensions of 2.42 meters long and 1.75 meters wide. Enough to rival segment benchmarks like the Ford Ranger or Toyota Hilux, only with zero emissions. A tantalizing proposition for European fleet managers, should Kia ever deign to bring it across the Atlantic.

Kia offers two trim levels, Basic and Plus, paired with two battery options. The Standard Range version carries a 51.5 kWh battery pack, while the Long Range steps up to 71.2 kWh for extended range. Nothing revolutionary, but exactly what the European delivery-van crowd will be asking for.

First of a Series of Variants

This pickup represents the first alternative PV5 bodywork to reach customers. Kia had nonetheless unveiled several iterations at an event last July: the PV5 Cargo (van), the PV5 Passenger (personnel transport), and naturally this pickup.

The group's PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) strategy hinges on this versatility—a rather clever bit of engineering thinking, if one is charitable. The concept? A common platform, countless configurations: urban delivery, goods transport, you name it. It's the automotive equivalent of a well-tailored wardrobe.

European Launch Still Uncertain

No date is confirmed for European commercialization of the PV5 pickup. Kia remains coy about its intentions for our market, where electric pickups are only just beginning to gain traction.

What's the European Alternative?

Meanwhile, Europeans can turn to the PV5 Chassis Cab, unveiled at the Solutrans trade show in November 2025. This chassis-cab version allows coachbuilders to craft their own platforms, and it's already available for order in Germany. Kia even exhibited a food truck based on this platform at the French show—a charming touch of theatrical marketing.

The E-GMP.S Platform as Foundation

Like all PV5 variants, this pickup rests on the E-GMP.S platform (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service). This architecture, dedicated to commercial vehicles, promises the robustness and reliability professionals demand when considering a switch to electric propulsion.

The starting price of $25,200 positions this pickup in an accessible bracket, well below what European manufacturers charge for comparable electric models. The real question: can Kia maintain this price advantage should it arrive on the European market? History suggests the margin will narrow considerably once it crosses the Alps.

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