The Kia PV5 has become the UK’s best-selling electric light commercial vehicle, helping propel the Korean manufacturer into the top three of Britain’s electric van market.
New registration figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show the PV5 Cargo now leads all electric LCVs in year-to-date registrations, just months after entering the market.
The milestone comes as Kia recorded its strongest July on record across its passenger car and commercial vehicle operations.
July also marked another first for the brand, with more than 1,000 Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) models registered in a single month. The total comprised 784 PV5 Cargo vans and 235 PV5 Passenger models.
Read our Kia PV5 Cargo review
Since launching at the end of 2025, Kia has registered 3,239 PV5 Cargo models and a further 1,141 PV5 Passenger variants in the UK, comfortably surpassing the company’s original sales forecasts.
The popularity of the PV5 has propelled Kia into third place in the UK’s electric light commercial vehicle market, both in July and year-to-date, despite starting the year with no presence in the sector.
The PV5’s success also extends beyond the UK. Figures from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) show it has become Europe’s best-selling electric light commercial vehicle, accounting for 37% of all electric vans sold in the small van (C-segment). It currently tops the sales charts in 12 countries, including the UK and Germany.
Read our Kia PV5 Passenger review
Available as a Cargo, Passenger and Chassis Cab, the PV5 has quickly established itself thanks to its styling, competitive price and Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty.
The van also played a key role in Kia’s record-breaking July, with the manufacturer registering 9,870 vehicles across its passenger car and PBV ranges. Kia ranked third in the combined UK car and light commercial vehicle market, while also finishing second in the passenger car market.
Electrification continues to underpin the company’s growth. Kia was the UK’s best-selling electric vehicle brand in July with 3,731 battery electric vehicle registrations, while the EV3 was the country’s second best-selling EV with 1,691 registrations.
Why did we name the Kia PV5 as our Best New Van in the Van Reviewer What to Buy Awards
Paul Philpott, President and CEO of Kia UK, said: “Kia’s record July performance reinforces our position among the UK’s best-selling automotive brands.
“With strong demand across passenger cars, electric vehicles and commercial vehicles, alongside the continuing success of Sportage and the rapid rise of the PV5, it shows promise for the rest of 2026.”
