20 November 2025, Frankfurt/Lyon – Kia’s all-electric PV5 has been named the ‘2026 International Van of the Year’ (IVOTY), marking a historic first victory for both Kia and a Korean manufacturer. The award was presented on 19 November at the IVOTY Award Gala during SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyon, France, following a vote by a jury of leading commercial vehicle journalists representing 26 countries.
“The Kia PV5 impressed the jury with its all-round capability, efficient electric platform, and clear focus on user needs,” said Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year Award. “In a unanimous vote, it represents a new benchmark for how zero-tailpipe-emission vans can deliver practical innovation.”
The PV5 was listed for consideration alongside six other models launched in 2025, including two other electric vans, further highlighting the growing importance of electrification as the industry accelerates toward a more sustainable future.
In addition, less than a month since its launch, the PV5 has also already earned a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for “the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge”, achieving 693.38 kilometres.
Marc Hedrich, President & CEO of Kia Europe stated, “Winning the prestigious International Van of the Year Award is a true honour and a strong endorsement from some of the most respected journalists in the LCV industry, especially as the first vehicles are just arriving in Europe. Though new to the LCV market, this achievement confirms Kia’s readiness to deliver engineering, design, and practicality to strengthen our position as a leading mobility solutions provider. Our sincere thanks go to the IVOTY jurors for this recognition and to all Kia employees for their dedication.”
Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of PBV Division at Kia Corporation added, “In 2022, Kia launched its PBV division with the ambition to redefine the LCV market through innovation, something Kia has always stood for. The Kia PV5 brings that vision to life and receiving the International Van of the Year Award with our very first PBV model confirms that we are heading in the right direction. The PV5 has been developed by actively listening to customer voices, with every detail thoughtfully designed to meet real-world business needs. This award marks an important milestone, yet our journey to deliver meaningful value to customers continues as we expand the PBV line-up.”
In appreciation of this recognition, Ho Sung Song, President & CEO of Kia Corporation, said, “The PV5 is a breakthrough for Kia as we bring our vision of electrified commercial mobility to life. As our first fully electric van and the launch model of our Platform Beyond Vehicle line-up, it demonstrates how practical design, innovative technology, and a focus on customer needs can come together in a vehicle built for the real world. This achievement reflects the passion and expertise of our global teams and underscores Kia’s commitment to shaping the future of smart, responsible mobility.”
An electric van that gets the job done
The PV5 is Kia’s first eLCV (electric light commercial vehicle) and the inaugural model in its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) line-up. Based on Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), the PV5 offers up to 416 kilometres (Cargo Long) and 412 kilometres (Passenger) of all-electric range (AER, WLTP), with DC charging from 10 to 80 per cent in under 30 minutes and a payload capacity of up to 790 kilogrammes.
Available now in Cargo Long and Passenger versions across Europe, the PV5 will be joined from 2026 by new variants, including a Chassis Cab, short-wheelbase Cargo (L1H1), and High Roof (L2H2). The larger PV7 and PV9 are currently in development.
For additional information please contact:
Cathal Kealey
Head of Marketing & PR @ Kia Ireland
086-2290649
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