Say hello to…
…Kia’s entry into the commercial vehicle market, the PV5 Cargo, an all-electric van similar in size to the VW ID Buzz Cargo. It’s a van size that sits between the ubiquitous Ford Transit Custom and the Transit Connect.
Two battery sizes and two power outputs are available initially and one L2 H1 layout. The larger battery at 71.2kWh is linked to the higher 160hp motor for an official range of 258 miles, while the smaller 51.5kWh battery is linked to a 120hp motor and has a range of 184 miles. All versions are front-wheel drive.
Two trim levels are available.
- Essential
- Plus
Standard equipment on the Essential includes 16-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, powered door mirrors, auto wipers, aircon, 12.9-inhc infotainment screen with navigation, 7.5-inch driver’s display, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 2x USB sockets.
Plus adds power fold door mirrors, heated front seats, 3-pin socket, V2L and wireless phone charger.
Is The Kia PV5 Cargo Suitable For My Fleet
Cargo volume for the PV5 sits at 4.4m3, with a load bay length of 2.255m, a height of 1.52m and a maximum width of 1.565m (1.33m between the wheel arches). The maximum payload is 790kg, which is better than the ID Buzz, but around the same as the smaller Transit Connect. The maximum charge speed of 150kW is good, if not quite as fast as the VW.
However, in cold weather we saw a real-world range of 220 miles thanks to efficiency of 3.1 mile per kWh in a van that was carrying a half load. This efficiency is far better than our experience in the ID Buzz.
Leasing A Kia PV5 Cargo
Gateway2lease is offering the Kia PV5 Cargo in long range Plus trim for £331 a month on a 9+36 contract with 10,000 miles a year. Maintenance is forecast at £50 a month, according to Gensen Reports.
Driving A Kia PV5 Cargo
Assuming the load capacity and range work for your business requirements then the Kia PV5 Cargo is an impressive piece of kit.
The cabin is simple and attractive with really well thought out storage cubbies, a clear infotainment screen and a simple digital display for the driver. Equipment levels are not only impressive, but when linked to the price they’re significantly better than rivals.
Using the phrase ‘car like’ to describe driving the PV5 van may seem lazy, but there’s no better way of putting it. You sit nearly as high up as you would in a large 4×4 (or Transit Custom), which is great for visibility and both the seats and combination of body control and comfort are superb.
We drove the higher powered PV5 which has a claimed 0-60mph time of 12.4 seconds. This may not seem quick, but the instant shove and acceleration you feel from the electric motor is more than enough for everyday needs.
Steering precision is better than in most vans, but it’s the refinement that’s most impressive. Obviously, the electric motor is near silent, but there’s little road or wind noise intrusion either.
While the experience is overall top notch, we’d like to have seen the traffic sign recognition software calibrated for commercial vehicles as other brands do.
But with this the only ‘complaint’, Kia’s first commercial vehicle should be a resounding success.
FleetandLeasing.com Verdict On The Kia PV5 Cargo
A brilliant van that makes the switch to electric as easy as possible.
Kia PV5 Cargo
- Model: PV5 Cargo Plus 71.2kWh
- Power: 160hp
- Torque: 250Nm
- Official EV range: 258 miles
- Test EV range: 215 miles
- CO2 emissions: 0g/km
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