Kia teases new electric vans ahead of 2025 CV Show debut

Craig Cheetham, contributor
Thu, 23 Jan 2025

Kia is set to pull the wraps off almost production-ready versions of its new PBV electric van range at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Show at Birmingham's National Exhibition Centre (NEC).

It’s the first time that the Korean brand has attended the CV Show and comes ahead of its new electric vans going on sale later this year. PBV stands for Professional Business Vans reflecting the preferred language for commercial vehicles sold in the UK.

As an appetiser, a silhouette image of the Kia PV5 has been released — this will be the core model in the range. Kia says that specification and 'other customer-centric information' will be announced at the show, along with an insight into its first commercial vehicle business plans for the British market.

The PV5 electric-only van is built on a dedicated EV platform and designed for roles in various industries including deliveries, utilities and ride-hailing, reflected in it being offered in panel van, chassis cab and passenger-carrying forms. The chassis cab is particularly unusual in the mid-size van market and offers further scope for diverse customer needs and customisation.

Every Kia PBV model will come with the firm's seven-year/100,000-mile warranty as standard just like its car range.

Mike Costain, the CV Show's event director, commented: 'We are absolutely delighted that Kia has chosen the Commercial Vehicle Show to debut their highly anticipated electric van. This event remains the premier platform for manufacturers to showcase cutting-edge innovations and Kia’s presence highlights the growing momentum of electrification in the commercial vehicle sector.'

President and CEO of Kia UK, Paul Philpott, added: 'This is an incredibly exciting time for Kia, as we build an entirely new commercial business to deliver world-class electric vans to UK customers. Our strategy is to approach the market confidently but responsibly, launching in a phased and progressive manner to ensure each element of our commercial vehicle business is exacted with the same industry-leading standards we’re known for in the passenger car industry.'

The Commercial Vehicle Show opens on 29 April 2025 and runs for three days until 1 May.

Ask HJ

Does the £40k VED premium apply to vans as well as cars?

I am purchasing a new Volkswagen Transporter van and having it converted into a campervan. The purchase price of the basic van is just over £40k. Does the premium supplement apply to vans or does it only apply to cars?

The premium tax rate for cars over £40,000 doesn't apply to light goods vehicles such as vans. So if you're buying a new Euro 5 compliant van, the annual tax rate is currently £140. There is a different system for campervans but as you're buying a van to convert, rather than buying a campervan or motorhome, these rates won't apply.

Answered by David Ross

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