Khaberni - The fully electric Kia PV5 van won the "International Van of the Year 2026" (IVOTY) award, becoming the first Korean and electric van in Asia to receive this high global recognition in the sector. This honor took place during the SOLUTRANS 2025 exhibition in Lyon, France, after 26 of the world's leading commercial vehicle journalists unanimously voted to award the Kia PV5 van.
What is the importance of the IVOTY award?
The IVOTY award was established in 1992 and is considered the most reliable global award in the light commercial vehicle sector. Winners are chosen based on:
• Technological innovation
• Operational efficiency
• Safety
• Environmental performance
PV5's victory came after it surpassed six other competitors, marking a distinctive success. This is the second time an Asian brand has achieved this feat in the 34-year history of the award.
In this context, Jarlath Sweeney, head of the jury for the International Van Award, said: "Congratulations to Kia for winning the prestigious IVOTY award in its thirty-fourth edition. The fully electric Kia PV5 van sets a new standard for innovation, efficiency, and overall capabilities in the light commercial vehicle sector. It combines emission-free performance with versatility and practicality, redefining what companies can expect from a modern van. Kia cars have long gained prestigious awards, and now, the company’s bus division adds another strong achievement."
How does PV5 enhance Kia's leadership in the electric mobility sector?
PV5 builds on the momentum Kia has achieved in the electric vehicle domain, which was crowned by EV6 and EV9 winning "World Car of the Year" titles. With its debut, Kia expands its vision for sustainable mobility to include the commercial vehicle sector.
About this, Ho Sung Song, CEO of Kia, said: "Kia has always been at the forefront of innovation in the electric vehicle industry, and PV5 clearly embodies this leadership within the commercial bus sector. We developed PV5 based on carefully listening to the needs of our commercial customers, focusing on creating a very practical van with Kia's modern and refined style in terms of design and functionality. Furthermore, PV5 innovates in the traditional light commercial vehicle manufacturing process through an integrated manufacturing system that allows sustainable production development. Winning the International Van of the Year title on its debut is an exceptional honor. It reinforces our belief that Kia is capable of redefining this sector and continuing to shape the future of smart, sustainable, and electric business mobility around the world."
How was the PV5 van designed to meet the requirements of real-world applications?
PV5 is Kia's first light electric commercial van (eLCV) and the basic model for the multi-purpose van (PBV) range. It is designed to achieve efficiency, sustainable performance, and maximum flexibility in use.
Key performance features:
• Global Electric Modular Platform (E-GMP.S).
• Fully electric driving range (WLTP - European driving range standard): up to 416 km (for the long cargo version) / 412 km (for the 5-seat passenger version)
• Fast DC charging from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes
• Maximum load: up to 790 kg
• Holder of the title "longest distance a light electric van can travel on a full load with a single charge" from Guinness World Records, with an achievement of 693.38 km
Three battery options - 43.3 kWh, 51.5 kWh, 71.2 kWh - allow operators to choose the range and cost that suits their business needs. The low entry height, the flat floor in the van, and the integrated attachment points also facilitate the loading and setup process.
Why did Kia make customer needs the focus of PV5 development?
PV5 was developed considering extensive studies of customer needs. Kia collaborated with logistics companies, delivery operators, fleet managers, and mobility service providers to ensure the vehicle meets the practical requirements of the work environment, loading efficiency, and digital operation tools up to easy maintenance.
About this, Sangdae Kim, Vice President and Head of the Multi-Purpose Vehicle (PBV) division at Kia, said: "In 2022, Kia launched a special division for multi-purpose vehicles aimed at redefining the light commercial vehicle (LCV) market through innovation, which is always at the core of what Kia provides. Kia PV5 embodies this vision, and our obtaining the "Best International Van of the Year" award with our first PBV model confirms we are heading in the right direction. PV5 was developed by actively listening to customer feedback, and every detail was carefully designed to meet real business needs. This award represents a significant achievement, but our journey to deliver meaningful value to our customers continues as we expand our PBV vehicle range."
What next for the PV5 model and Kia's PBV vehicle family?
PV5 is now available in Europe in long cargo and passenger (5 seats) versions. Starting in 2026, Kia will expand the range to include:
• Chassis cab
• Standard cargo (L1H1)
• High roof (L2H2)
The future models — including the larger PV7 and PV9 — will enhance Kia's ambition to build an integrated next-generation PBV ecosystem to serve businesses worldwide.
