Kia NZ locks in electric van rollout with PV5 Cargo, Passenger

Kia New Zealand has locked in the local rollout of its first dedicated electric commercial vehicle, confirming the Kia PV5 Cargo will arrive in dealerships this quarter from $64,990 plus on-road costs, with the Passenger model to follow later this year.

The announcement marks the first step in Kia's broader commercial vehicle strategy, with larger PV7 and PV9 electric vans also confirmed for New Zealand over the coming years.

Kia says the PV5 Cargo will launch first in five-door guise, with a six-door version available for an additional $500, while the seven-seat PV5 Passenger will follow later this year. A high-roof Cargo variant is due in the first quarter of 2027.

The PV5 Cargo is the first of six dedicated electric vans built to launch locally on Kia's latest E-GMP.S platform designed specifically for commercial use.

A larger PV7 in both Cargo and Passenger configurations will launch in 2027. By 2029, the range-topping PV9 is expected to arrive, measuring around six metres long and spawning a cab-chassis variant.

Kia believes the PV5's pricing makes it a competitive alternative to existing electric vans, while its passenger variant is expected to appeal to large families, shuttle operators, and tourism businesses.

Kia New Zealand managing director Todd McDonald said Kia also focused on reducing ownership costs.

"We have also put a lot of thought into our total cost of ownership proposition by providing a seven-year manufacturing warranty and a two-year/30,000km servicing schedule.

"All of these features help make the TCO equation even more appealing to Kiwi businesses."

Power comes from a front-mounted electric motor producing 120kW of power and 250Nm of torque, paired with a 71.2kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) battery.

Kia claims a WLTP driving range of up to 416km, while DC fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 30 minutes.

The cargo area offers 4420 litres of load volume with a 690kg payload, enough space to accommodate two Euro pallets.

The company will also offer an optional 22kW AC onboard charger, allowing businesses with compatible charging infrastructure to reduce charging times compared with the standard unit.

The PV5 also features vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability, allowing owners to power electrical equipment, tools, or appliances directly from the vehicle's battery.

Inside, the van features a 12.9-inch infotainment touchscreen with satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, Kia Connect connectivity, and over-the-air software updates.

Standard safety equipment includes forward collision assist, lane-keep assist, Smart cruise control with stop and go, and blind-spot collision avoidance assist.

"With the widest EV range in the passenger and SUV segment, it made sense for the natural progression of our range to enter the commercial market," said Mr McDonald.

"The PV5 is the first step to our multi-step strategy of bringing in electric vans to suit Kiwi needs, with PV7 and PV9 expected in the next few years.

"There is an unprecedented interest in the new model, not just from traditional trade and commercial customers, but also people who desire a vehicle with enhanced space, practical features and considered appointments, as well as the appeal of a full electric powertrain."

The Kia PV5 Cargo is priced from $64,990 plus on-road costs, while pricing for the PV5 Passenger will be announced closer to its launch later this year.