The Kia PV5 is proving its chops as a professional vehicle. It not only offers a comfortable range according to the WLTP test cycle, but also a fully loaded range, as this new Guinness World Record proves: 693.38 km in an electric van with maximum payload on a single charge!
The Kia PV5 is the Korean manufacturer’s first foray into the commercial vehicle market. And while it lacks somewhat in terms of payload, with 665 kg for the long-range version compared to over one tonne for vehicles like the Ford Transit Custom, it makes up for it with a comfortable range of up to 412 km. And apparently, that’s not just a theoretical figure.
70% further than its WLTP figure
To prove that its new electric van can also handle a long day while fully loaded, Kia dropped sandbags into the PV5’s cargo bay, pumped up the tyres, charged it to 100%, and called Guinness World Records to have a look.
Eventually, after 22.5 hours of driving over twelve 58.2 km loops, the juice ran out. And the odometer read 693.38 km, nearly 70% further than the official homologation figure. Of course, speeds were relatively low, averaging around 30 km/h, but Kia did perform its record run on public roads, including traffic lights, intersections, roundabouts, and city traffic. This should, therefore, be a realistic scenario for urban distribution drivers.
Also cheaper than its main rivals
To recall, the Kia PV5 is available with three different battery configurations: 43.3 kWh, 51.5 kWh, or 71.2 kWh, offering a WLTP range of up to 412 km and a payload of up to 790 kg for the smallest battery. All are powered by the same 120 kW (163 hp) motor, and fast charging from 10 to 80% takes 30 minutes.
Pricing starts at €37,690 for the Passenger version (51.5 kWh) or €41,690 for the larger battery option. The PV5 Cargo L2H1 is available from €32,250, excluding VAT in Belgium, making it one of the most affordable electric vans in its segment. The 71.2-kWh version costs €35,500 ex. VAT.
As a reference, the Citroën ë-Jumpy has a base price of €32,580 ex. VAT, but it has far inferior electric performance, while the more comparable Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo costs at least €44,400 ex. VAT.
