The upcoming Kia PV5 electric van has won its first award ahead of its launch next year.
The PV5 medium electric van was recognised with the ‘One to Watch’ Award from What Van? magazine.
Judged by an experienced panel of independent industry judges, the ‘One to Watch’ award is given to the most interesting vehicle yet to be launched.
Speaking about the award win, Simon Hetherington, Kia UK’s commercial director said: “Kia’s entrance in the van industry is a ground-breaking moment for our brand and comes at a time of significant industry change. We’re confident with our starting place: 100% electric with a dedicated EV platform and the unique benefit of being able to tailor our commercial vehicle business to modern challenges. We gratefully accept What Van?’s ‘One to watch’ award and we are all very proud of this recognition.”
Kia's PBV (platform beyond vehicles) plans were revealed as part of the company's ‘Plan S’ global business strategy in January 2020.
The first concepts of the PBV vans, including Concept PV5 and Concept PV7, were unveiled at CES in Las Vegas in January 2024.
The vans will be produced at dedicated electric van factory in South Korea, with the first vehicles due to leave the plant in 2025.
The first model will be the Kia PV5 which will get Kia's seven-year/100,000-mile warranty as standard.
Other winners from the night included:
Compact Van of the Year: Ford Transit Courier (Highly Commended: Renault Kangoo, Nissan Townstar, Mercedes-Benz Citan)
Medium Van of the Year: Ford Transit Custom (Highly Commended: Maxus eDeliver 7)
Large Van of the Year: Renault Master (Highly Commended: Mercedes-Benz eSprinter)
Pick-up of the Year: Ford Ranger (Highly Commended: Volkswagen Amarok)
Used Van of the Year: Toyota Hilux (Highly Commended: Mercedes-Benz Sprinter)
Zero-Emission Van of the Year: Maxus eDeliver 5 (Highly Commended: Mobilize Bento)
One to Watch: Kia PV5 (Highly Commended: Volkswagen Transporter)
