At the Montreal Auto Show, the Koreans put their Kia PV5 electric minivan under the spotlight. With this approach, they intended to test the temperature and gauge local interest for a versatile electric utility vehicle that could easily meet the varied needs of individuals and businesses.
Summary
- The KIA PV5 is a modular electric minivan designed for families and businesses, offering up to 416 km of range and a 1,500 lb. payload.
- Based on the E-GMP.S platform, it will be offered in several trims: Cargo, Passenger, Extended cab, and Cab chassis, according to your needs.
- Its arrival in Canada is scheduled for the end of 2026, as a 2027 model year, with an expected price between $55,000 and $60,000.
Why is the Kia PV5 Attracting Attention in Quebec?
The question arises: why is the Kia PV5 generating buzz in Quebec?
The Kia minivan is entering the province's electric landscape, knowing there could be demand for this type of intermediate van for both freight transport and individuals. Moreover, the Korean manufacturer is well aware that this type of electric vehicle is scarce in the province, apart from the VW ID.Buzz arriving in 2025.
Is the time right for a Kia PV5 in Canada? With the minivan already announced in Asia and Europe, the manufacturer appears to be eyeing the North American market, or is it the other way around? The enthusiasm for such an electric utility vehicle could quickly ignite.
Range, Battery and Charging Time
Based on what we know so far, the Kia PV5 minivan could be available with a 71.2 kWh battery delivering 163 horsepower and a range of 416 km, outperforming the VW ID.Buzz.
As the Kia PV5 is built on the E-GMP.S (Electric - Global Modular Platform), the proposed battery does not have 800-volt charging capacity, it only gets half of that. Thus, charging from 10 to 80% at a fast-charging DC station will take about 30 minutes at 150 kW.
These figures indicate that the electric van would be ideal for businesses making urban deliveries. With a recorded range of 416 km, the commercial Kia PV5 could operate several days in a row before needing to recharge. The electric minivan also generates interest as a means of transporting people from point A to point B.
Modular Design: Family or Business?
Already available in other countries, several trims of the Kia PV5 are emerging. Canadian media refer to the Kia PV5 Cargo, which, with its low floor, offers increased cargo space. The low rear loading threshold of 419 mm greatly simplifies handling while allowing for easy loading of the electric vehicle. Clearly, Kia is reinventing the minivan design to offer an optimized and practical space for businesses.
There is also talk of the Kia PV5 Passenger. This trim creates a spacious cabin that can accommodate seven passengers. With foldable seats, you can easily expand the cargo space to store equipment and luggage. The Kia PV5 Passenger, with its modular approach, offers everyday comfort and flexibility for trips, work, or family adventures.
Presenting these two trims shows that the Kia PV5 in Canada could meet both professional and personal needs. It is possible that additional trims will emerge as already seen in Asia and Europe, such as the Kia PV5 Extended cab or the Kia PV5 Cab chassis.
Key Specifications and On-Board Technologies
Official dimensions for the electric van are not yet available. We have, however, gathered some unofficial details:
- Length: 4,695 mm
- Width: 1,565 mm
- Height: 1,520 mm
Moreover, the minivan has a payload capacity of 1,500 lb.
Regarding the cabin, the electric minivan will feature heated, supportive seats, useful storage compartments, sliding side doors, and cutting-edge technology.
Speaking of technology, here are some of the on-board features:
- A 12.9-inch touch screen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Integrated navigation system with route planner
- Digital instrument cluster
- Wireless charger
- And more
Driver Assistance and Winter Safety
Among the driver assistance systems, the following are noteworthy:
- Highway driving assistance
- Front and rear parking assistance
- Rearview camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Blind spot cameras
- Intelligent cruise control
- Automatic High-Beam Headlamp Control
- Side parking sensors
- Etc.
Furthermore, the Kia PV5 will be equipped with a heat pump to preserve battery efficiency during the winter season.
Comparison: PV5 vs. Similar Minivans
Comparisons of electric vans remain limited due to the few models currently available on the market. However, the table below also includes some characteristics of gasoline-powered vans for illustration. For example, we will limit the comparison to the Kia PV5, VW ID.Buzz, Kia Carnival and Chrysler Pacifica.
Side-by-Side Table
| Specs |
Kia PV5 |
VW ID.Buzz |
Kia Carnival |
Chrysler Pacifica |
| Dimensions |
Length: 4,695 mm Width: 1,565 mm Height: 1,520 mm |
Length: 4,962 mm Width: 1,985 mm Height: 1,935 mm |
Length: 5,155 mm Width: 1,995 mm Height: 1,740 mm |
Length: 5,176 mm Width: 2,022 mm Height: 1,777 mm |
| Towing Capacity |
Up to 1,650 lb. |
Up to 3,500 lb. |
Up to 3,500 lb. |
Up to 3,600 lb. |
| Electric Range |
Up to 416 km (Electric) |
Up to 377 km (Electric) |
Up to 648 km (Gasoline) |
Up to 600 km (Gasoline) |
The data in the table above demonstrates that the compact van's size is ideal for maneuvering through narrow city streets. Less cumbersome than its rivals, it is agile wherever it goes.
In addition, the MUV (modular utility vehicle) offers a more substantial range than the VW ID.Buzz, marking a clear advantage in electric performance.
Finally, due to its powertrain, the electric family or commercial vehicle cannot tow as much as the other vans.
Where Will it be Introduced?
Initially introduced in Asia and Europe, the Kia PV5 is designed to be an agile companion in the dense streets of major cities such as Seoul or Hwaseong in South Korea.
In Europe, dealers are already showcasing various trims of the electric Kia PV5. The Asian and European markets will be served first.
The Canadian Market Will Have to Wait
In Canada, we will have to wait until the end of 2026 to see the first 2027 models. We can then revisit the specifications of the new Kia PV5. Stay tuned by subscribing to our Kia newsletter.
Contact your Kia Chambly dealer to learn more about the Kia PV5, for early orders or more details on electric and hybrid Kia vehicles for sale.
FAQ about the Kia PV5 in Canada
Kia PV5: release date?
End of 2026 for a 2027 Kia PV5.
What is the maximum range for the compact van?
What will be the starting price of the Kia PV5?
The official price is not yet known, but several sources suggest an initial price between $55,000 and $60,000 in Canada.
What is the standout feature of the Kia PV5?
The Kia PV5 can serve both for freight and passenger transport. It has a modular cabin to suit your needs.
What does PV5 mean?
It is an acronym meaning Professional Vehicle, where the number 5 designates a midsize model. Thus, a PV7 minivan would be larger, while a Kia PV1 would be compact.