IAA Transportation: Kia PV7 – The Electric Vehicle for Tough Jobs
Kia is using the IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover to unveil the world premiere of its second “Platform Beyond Vehicle” model: The PV7 complements the already established PV5 as a larger, more versatile series. While the PV5 is primarily geared toward urban applications, the new PV7 is designed for higher payloads, larger cargo areas, shuttle services, and a wide range of conversions. The market launch of the PV7 Passenger and PV7 Cargo in Europe and Korea is scheduled for the second half of 2027.
With this model, Kia aims to significantly expand its lineup in the electric light commercial vehicle segment. The PV7 is designed to appeal to fleet operators, logistics companies, delivery services, tradespeople, shuttle providers, and rental car companies, as well as private buyers who need plenty of space. In the long term, the manufacturer plans to expand the series to 23 variants. An even larger PV9 has also been announced for 2029.
“The PV7 marks the next step on our journey toward personalized mobility and builds on the foundation laid by the PV5,” says Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia. The Korean automaker’s ambitions extend beyond vehicle sales: hardware, software, and specialized services are intended to converge into a comprehensive business solution.
The technical basis of the PV7 is the E-GMP.S platform—short for Electric Global Modular Platform for Service—developed specifically for Kia PBVs. Unlike the well-known E-GMP passenger car architecture, it is consistently tailored to commercial vehicles, spacious interiors, and various body configurations. The completely flat vehicle floor is designed to increase both cargo space and versatility in the passenger area.
Added to this is the so-called Flexible Body System. Kia describes this modular body architecture as a standardized base structure that allows for the efficient implementation of various body variants, special superstructures, and conversion solutions. In addition to cargo and passenger versions, plans include a chassis cab for specialized applications as well as regional and factory-based conversions.
The PV7 thus follows the brand’s “Tool Box” principle: The vehicle is conceived less as a rigidly defined van and more as an adaptable tool for various business models. The production and conversion models are to be manufactured at Kia’s Hwaseong EVO Plant in South Korea; a neighboring PBV conversion center will support customization to meet specific customer needs.
The PV7 Cargo is primarily aimed at logistics companies, delivery services, fleets, and small and medium-sized businesses. It will be offered worldwide as a two- or three-seater. Its payload and volume figures are particularly relevant for commercial use: The long version with a standard roof has a capacity of up to 6.1 cubic meters according to the VDA standard, while the high-roof version has a capacity of up to 8.0 cubic meters. In the long version, the maximum payload is 1,165 kilograms; in the standard version, it is 1,200 kilograms.
The long panel van is designed to accommodate up to three Euro pallets measuring 800 by 1,200 millimeters. The loading sill height is 550 millimeters, designed to make frequent loading and unloading easier for drivers. For heavy loads, Kia has integrated a driving mode that adjusts vehicle performance based on the payload, thereby improving stability and controllability.
The access points can also be adapted to specific operating conditions. For the rear, depending on the market, customers can choose between a wide-opening double-wing door or an upward-swinging tailgate. A through-loading area in the partition wall is available for the three-seater version. Additional features include customizable floor coverings, remote monitoring of the rear cargo door, and separate locking functions for enhanced cargo security. A feature called “Walk Away Lock” is designed to automatically close the side electric sliding door as soon as the driver walks away from the vehicle with the Smart Key. Especially for delivery routes involving frequent stops, this is a feature designed to combine comfort and safety in everyday use.
The PV7 Passenger takes a different approach. Kia envisions it as a shuttle, rental car, tourist vehicle, staff transporter, and family minivan. In Europe, it will offer up to nine seats; in Korea, the configuration is designed for up to eleven seats. This positions the electric vehicle in a segment that has so far been dominated by traditional minivans and diesel-powered minibuses.
The seven-seat version features “Long-Rail Easy Remove Seats.” These seats can be slid along long rails and removed with relative ease. The nine-seater is available with or without a fourth row of seats. Depending on the transport task, the interior can thus be better tailored for passenger transport, luggage, or a combination of both.
For the rear seats, Kia highlights a separate climate control system, USB-C ports with up to 100 watts of power, and additional storage compartments. Optional electric sliding doors and climate controls integrated into the headliner are designed to further improve access and comfort. A center console can serve as a table during breaks, while the unusual position of the front passenger airbag under the roof creates additional storage space in the dashboard.
Two NMC batteries with capacities of 71.5 and 96.2 kWh are planned for the market launch. The standard front-wheel drive delivers up to 200 kW and 420 Nm of torque, depending on the market and trim level; an all-wheel-drive version is set to follow later. For the PV7 Cargo with the larger battery, Kia cites an internal range estimate close to the WLTP standard of up to approximately 460 kilometers. Homologation for the German market version is still pending.
According to the manufacturer, the 800-volt architecture enables charging from 10 to 80 percent in about 25 minutes at a 350-kW fast-charging station. The PV7 comes standard with an AC/DC port at the front and an additional AC outlet at the rear, which is available as an option. This can offer practical advantages in tight depots, charging parks, or when towing a trailer. As the first Kia electric vehicle, the PV7 also features Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) ports both inside and outside the vehicle. The 230-volt outlets can be used, for example, to power power tools, mobile refrigeration units, service equipment, or other business equipment. Kia bundles its digital offerings under the name Business Solutions. These include a fleet management system, interfaces for connected vehicle data, support for charging and maintenance, and so-called uptime services.
The cockpit features the Pleos Connect infotainment system, based on Android Automotive OS. It combines connected navigation, customizable screen layouts, an app marketplace, over-the-air updates, and the AI voice assistant Gleo AI. Controls are via 12.9- and 14.6-inch displays, supplemented by physical buttons for frequently used functions.
In terms of design, the PV7 clearly remains part of the young Kia PBV family. The “Opposites United” design philosophy translates into an upright, angular silhouette with a cabin positioned far forward and a flat roof. This one-box architecture not only maximizes interior space but also improves visibility.
Black accents on the hood and A-pillars contrast with the body color, while hidden integrated headlights and Kia’s signature daytime running lights define the front end. Large glass surfaces, a lowered beltline, and the Passenger’s visual roofline are designed to enhance all-around visibility. Visible hinges, a rugged underbody protection design, and interchangeable bumpers, wheel arch trim, and door panels, on the other hand, underscore its commercial vehicle credentials.
It is precisely these repair-friendly details that align with the PV7’s design philosophy: a vehicle intended to be as versatile as possible and to return to service quickly in the event of damage. In addition to a long-wheelbase PV7 Passenger model, Kia is exhibiting two long-wheelbase Cargo models at IAA Transportation. The booth is rounded out by seven PV5 variants—ranging from a high-roof van to a wheelchair-accessible van (WAV) and a food truck. (aum)
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Photo source: Frank Wald via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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Photo source: Frank Wald via Autoren-Union Mobilität
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