A VW bus – be it a Multivan, Transporter or Crafter – are very practical commercial vehicles. Kia wants to expand the possibilities and is presenting a versatile electric commercial vehicle base called Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), which will be available in various formats, at the CES tech trade fair in Las Vegas (until January 12th). To illustrate the potential of this new foundation, the Koreans have several commercial vehicle concepts with them at the trade fair.
In addition to various variants of the Concept PV5, the larger Concept PV7 and the small Concept PV1 will be shown. All are united by a silvery sheet metal skin and a black greenhouse. Depending on the structure, the proportions of sheet metal and glass surfaces vary. A PV5 variant was designed as a delivery van with a large cargo space. Another PV5 concept serves as a minibus with six seats and all-round glazing. Quick conversion for various areas of application PBV vehicles use a vehicle chassis with a clearly defined driver zone, while the rear part can be used for a wide variety of structures and mobility needs. The superstructures are connected to the chassis via a mechanical-magnetic coupling and are interchangeable. It is therefore conceivable that a vehicle base could be used as a delivery van during the day and as a taxi at night. Kia wants to enter series production for the compact PV5 platform in 2025. Four body variants are initially being considered. In addition to the chassis, there will be bodies as a van, a high-roof version and a people transporter. The platform would also be conceivable as a basis for motorhomes. The larger PV7 platform and the small PV1 chassis will follow later. Automated driving functions up to a robo-taxi expansion level developed with Aptiv, AI integration and connectivity solutions for fleet management are also being considered. The factory dedicated to the PBV family is expected to produce up to 150,000 vehicles annually.
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