Kia has re-entered the light commercial van market and also entered the electric van market with the recent launch of its all-new PV5 Cargo.
It is the Korean brand’s purpose-built battery-electric van and it comes into the market priced from a recommended retail of $55,990 RRP.
The new PV5 Cargo is based on Kia’s dedicated E-GMP.S commercial EV platform and comes with a claimed driving range of up to 416km (WLTP), and boast a 4,420-litre capacity in the cargo area and also has a Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, which means it can be used as a battery to feed back into a facility or house electricity system .
The new van was awarded the 2026 International Van of the Year, so it arrives in Australia following a significant degree of recognition and praise and is also is the first model to be sold in Australia that is built as part of Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) range.
The chief executive of Kia Australia, Dennis Piccoli said that the PV5 Cargo marks an important step in the company’s electrification strategy.
“PV5 Cargo represents an important step in Kia Australia’s ongoing electrification strategy, extending our capabilities into the light commercial vehicle 
space with a purpose-built solution for business customers,” Piccoli said.
“As more businesses look to reduce operating costs and emissions while maintaining productivity and flexibility, PV5 Cargo offers a compelling balance of range, practicality and advanced technology,” he added.
The PV5 Cargo is powered by a 71.2kWh battery with a front-mounted electric motor that produces 120kW and 250Nm. The front-wheel-drive van supports DC fast charging which Kia claims can be taken from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in about half an hour. while an 11kW AC charger can replenish the battery from 10 per cent to 100 per cent in about six-and-a-half hours.
Kia says the PV5 Cargo was designed specifically for commercial applications rather than adapted from an internal combustion platform, and as a result offers a substantial 740kg payload, as well as a low rear loading height of just 419mm. It also features dual sliding side doors and rear doors that open out to 180 degrees for easy forklift and lift truck loading
Kia also points out that the van also features a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, as well as a 7.5-inch digital instrument cluster, along with over-the-air software updates, wireless phone charging and a suite of advanced driver assistance systems.
The 3.6kW Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability is a standout standard feature ion the PV5 Cargo, and theoretically can allowing tradespeople and mobile operators to power tools and electrical equipment directly from the vehicle without the need for a separate generator.
The PV5 Cargo has also received an ANCAP Platinum commercial vehicle safety grading, achieving a 91 per cent overall performance score .
