Kia’s new EV van is over 17.5 ft long and can haul 9 people or lots of cargo [Images]

Kia Unveils Massive PV7 Electric Van For Cargo And Passengers

Kia has officially revealed its newest commercial electric vehicle, the PV7, marking a pivotal milestone in the automaker's ambitious Platform Beyond Vehicle initiative. Debuting publicly at the IAA Transportation expo in Hanover, Germany, the expansive all-electric van targets the rapidly expanding global light commercial vehicle sector with remarkable interior modularity, robust powertrain engineering, and zero-emission capability.

Built upon Hyundai Motor Group’s specialized E-GMP.S modular architecture, the PV7 features a completely flat interior floor layout that maximizes usable cabin volume. This flexible platform design allows Kia to engineer multiple interchangeable body configurations, comfortably accommodating diverse fleet operational requirements, commercial passenger transit services, and custom enterprise utility applications across major international commercial markets.

Impressive Battery Range and Fast Charging

According to official technical specifications released during the vehicle unveiling, the Kia PV7 will offer commercial buyers two distinct nickel-cobalt-manganese battery pack choices. Fleet operators can select either a standard 71.5 kWh energy storage unit or an extended-capacity 96.2 kWh battery pack, catering effectively to both urban last-mile delivery routes and longer regional transport operations.

The Long Range Cargo configuration achieves an estimated driving range exceeding 460 kilometers on the European WLTP testing cycle. Motive power comes standard through a front-wheel-drive electric powertrain delivering up to 268 horsepower and 309 pound-feet of torque, while an all-wheel-drive drivetrain option is slated to join the lineup during subsequent commercial production phases.

Operational turnaround speed is strongly reinforced by the vehicle’s high-voltage electrical architecture operating at 800 volts. When connected to a compatible 350 kW DC ultra-fast charging station, the PV7 can replenish its battery reserve from 10 percent to 80 percent capacity in approximately 25 minutes, significantly minimizing expensive vehicle downtime for intensive commercial enterprise operations.

Generous Dimensions and Heavy Cargo Payload

Measuring 5,350 millimeters in total length, 1,995 millimeters in width, and 1,990 millimeters in height, the PV7 commands a massive street footprint. Featuring a substantial 3,500-millimeter wheelbase, the new electric van substantially outscales existing rival offerings in the light commercial segment, including the long-wheelbase Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Kia’s previously revealed PV5 mid-sized electric utility vehicle.

Commercial transport managers gain direct access to exceptionally versatile cargo space parameters. The PV7 Cargo variant offers flexible two-seat or three-seat front cabin arrangements, providing up to 6.1 cubic meters of usable volume in standard body layout. Opting for the available High Roof derivative extends overall cargo carrying capacity up to an impressive 8.0 cubic meters.

Heavy-duty commercial capability serves as a central structural pillar of the vehicle's engineering framework. Maximum payload limits reach up to 1,200 kilograms for compact models and up to 1,165 kilograms on longer wheelbases. The rear cargo deck features an accessible 550-millimeter loading height designed specifically to accommodate up to three full-sized Euro pallets with maximum convenience.

To manage maximum payload demands safely, Kia incorporated a dedicated heavy-loading driving mode that intelligently recalibrates electric motor torque response and regenerative braking settings. Fleet customers can also select between full-opening twin-swing rear barn doors or an upward lift-tailgate design depending on specific operational loading environment needs and warehouse setup constraints.

Modular Interior Tech and Passenger Versatility

Beyond freight transport, the PV7 functions as a highly adaptable passenger shuttle and enterprise mobility solution. Global variants accommodate up to nine occupants comfortably, whereas domestic South Korean market versions can seat up to eleven passengers. The seven-seat model features long-rail removable seating that enables rapid interior reconfigurations for shifting passenger and luggage demands.

Driver environment technology is headlined by Hyundai Motor Group's advanced Pleos Connect infotainment software running natively on Android Automotive OS. Featuring large 12.9-inch and 14.6-inch digital displays, the system incorporates Gleo AI, an intelligent virtual assistant capable of managing voice navigation commands, monitoring fleet telematics data, and controlling overall cabin vehicle functions smoothly.

Practical utility extends beyond interior transport through integrated bi-directional vehicle-to-load capabilities. The onboard V2L feature enables operators to power high-draw commercial work tools, mobile field stations, specialized enterprise equipment, or external electronic devices directly from the main traction battery, completely eliminating the necessity for noisy portable gas generators on remote commercial worksites.

Future Variants and Global Rollout Strategy

Industry disclosures indicate that Kia intends to launch a comprehensive portfolio of 23 individual PV7 variants over the vehicle's extended production lifecycle. This diverse lineup will comprise compact, long, and high-roof cargo configurations, multiple passenger layouts, specialized chassis cabs for custom bodybuilders, and dedicated commercial conversions targeted at specialized logistics markets.

Production rollout and initial commercial deliveries for the PV7 Passenger and Cargo models are slated to begin in South Korea and Europe during the second half of 2027. Following the initial regional market launch, Kia will expand availability into secondary international territories while progressively introducing specialized vehicle derivatives to global commercial customers.