Kia has revealed concepts which point the way to its new range of fully electric vans, which are due to go into production from next year.

The Platform Beyond Vehicles (PBV) were unveiled at the CES event in Las Vegas. Kia’s PBV business will initially be based around the introduction of an all-new modular vehicle, previewed by the Kia Concept PV5.

The PBV business will see the brand commit to providing a varied range of customised vehicle types, from small vans to larger minibuses.

Phase one will see the introduction of the Kia PV5, with will be used as a taxi, delivery van or bus. Enhanced data connectivity between vehicles and external data such as route or delivery information will enable convenient operation of multiple vehicles in the most efficient way. 

The PV5 will arrive in 2025

In line with Phase One, various versions of the PV5 will be available, including Basic, Van, High Roof, and Chassis Cab versions. In the future, Kia also plans to introduce a Robotaxi which aims to provide an autonomous hailing experience for passengers. 

Utilising ‘Easy Swap’ technology, a single vehicle chassis can be used to for different needs. Behind a fixed cab, or ‘driver zone’, a variety of interchangeable upper bodies, or ‘life modules’, can be connected to the base vehicle via a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology, turning the PBV into a taxi during the day, to a delivery van at night, and a personal recreational vehicle on weekends. 

Modularisation is further made possible thanks to ‘Dynamic Hybrid’ weldless body structure assembly, which enables the length of moveable members to be flexibly adjusted according to vehicle use purpose. Comprised of high-strength tubular steel and engineered polymers, typical parts are reduced by 55 per cent with no loss in rigidity. 

Shipped in standardised, convenient kit form, Dynamic Hybrid technology will allow for the quick transformation of a Kia PV5.

The PV1 and PV7 are part of 'Phase 2' for Kia's plan

During Phase Two, symbiosis of the PBV ecosystem will be complimented by two further models, the ‘PV7’ and ‘PV1’. The PV7 is the largest product in the line-up, defined by more interior space, greater driving range, and more tech. PV1 is optimised for short-distance logistics, using driving modules to minimise turning radius even in narrow spaces. 

In all the PBVs there is an integrated rail system on the vehicle's ceiling, floor, and side panels, as well as on the exterior, to enable customisation to meet individual customer needs. The 'rails' allow easy movement of items between vehicles.

“Kia PBVs will initiate a new era of seamless everyday business and lifestyle solutions. We hope to make our customers’ lives easier and better, whether they’re stationary or on the move, offering exceptional flexibility and customisation through radical modularisation,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design. “Untethered to any fixed place, and unbounded by the traditional restrictions of space, Kia PBVs offer users a blank canvas to reimagine their lifestyles and workstyles,” he added.

The PV interiors can be swapped easily from a van to a minibus