MOTORING REVIEW: Kia adds first commercial vehicle to its line-up

Kia Ireland is one of the top electric car sellers, with an EV model available in almost every segment of the Irish car market. The Korean brand has recently expanded into the light commercial vehicle segment while also adding another electric five-seater passenger model to its line-up. The all-electric PBV5 is the first model to launch under the company’s Platform Beyond Vehicle strategy and hit the jackpot by winning the International Van of the Year Award 2026. 

Kia Ireland Managing Director Ronan Flood said their LCV strategy here is to start slowly and grow steadily, aiming to reach around 400 PBV5 units this year, with a 50/50 split between the commercial and passenger models. He believes corporate customers seeking to ‘go greener’ will adopt the PBV5 as a viable electric van designed to meet the evolving needs of modern transportation, offering a range of up to 416 km.

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The model is built at Kia’s facility in South Korea, with L2/H1 cargo and passenger versions available from launch. A PBV7 will follow this summer, with seven seats. Variants under consideration include a wheelchair-accessible and a crew cab. Kia's strategy with PBV is that customers can order their variants directly from the factory. However, for the moment, local converters will be required in Ireland for racking and refrigeration solutions. 

The van is 1,923mm in height, 1,895 wide, 4,695 in length, and has a best-in-class 5.5 m turning circle, aided by the vehicle’s narrow front and rear overhangs. Kia also claims PBV5 Cargo offers a best-in-class loading height of 419mm. Twin sliding doors with dual rear doors provide easy access for loading and unloading. Kia Ireland will consider a high-opening tailgate if required. 

The PBV5 Cargo can carry two Euro pallets, has a payload of 690kg, a best-in-class cargo volume of 4.4 m3, a low-floor structure, and low step heights to aid access and egress. There are two seats up front - a 3-seat configuration will be considered if demand warrants it. There's a full-size steel bulkhead. Visibility is really good with the low dashboard and deep side windows. Both front seats are very comfy. There are many storage solutions for a busy commercial driver to hold paperwork and other ‘stuff’. 

Features include a 7.9-inch driver’s instrument cluster and a 12.9-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Voice Control, Kia Connect, and Kia App. Drive modes are Eco, Normal, and Snow. There are also levels of regeneration to improve range, and a heat pump is standard. 

A 71.2 kWh battery and a 120 kW electric motor are standard, offering up to 416 km range and ultra-fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent in 30 minutes. The PBV5 has also set a Guinness World Record, travelling 693 km on a single charge with a full payload, demonstrating its maximum potential and an external validation that the van is a credible electric option for commercial customers. 

Two trim levels are offered. K2 Cargo features 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, digital key, air conditioning, heated seats and steering wheel, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, wireless charging, USB-C type charging port, Vehicle to Load, and a number of ADAS features like Highway Driving Assist and Lane Keep Assist. The Vehicle-2-Load allows you to power external devices or tool, anywhere. K4 spec versions add artificial leather/cloth seating and ventilated seats, a 360-degree surround-view monitor, electric folding mirrors, blind-spot view monitors, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, at €1,870 over the entry K2 price. It can tow up to 1,500kg. 

Both the commercial and passenger variants have secured a maximum of five stars for safety from Euro NCAP. They carry Kia’s seven-year vehicle warranty and an eight-year battery warranty. 

Kia Ireland currently has nine dedicated PBV centres, mostly in urban areas.

The L2H1 Cargo K2 is priced from €33,230 including SEAI grant and VRT rebates; the K4 from €35,100; the passenger version from €42,550.