Kia Has Revealed Its Electric Camper to Rival VW's ID.Buzz
As the EV4 sedan and EV2 mini SUV round out Kia's electric offering, the brand confirms its PV5 Light Camper is inbound, and an even larger model is likely on the way. PHOTO-ILLUSTRATION: WIRED STAFF; GETTY IMAGES; KIA
Kia is coming after Volkswagen's foothold on the electric camper market with its new Light Camper, built on its just announced PV5 platform. Looking to rival the much-admired ID.Buzz, the Light Camper looks to be the production version of the WKNDR concept from November last year—and Kia's boss also confirmed a larger all-electric camper is being considered, too.
'Yes, we are interested in providing a camper van—not only the Light Camper based on PV5, but also one based on PV7, too,' said Kia's president Ho-Sung Song this week at the Korean company's brand-hosted annual EV reveal day in Tarragona, Spain.
Based on a new E-GMP.S platform, the mid-sized PV5 van will launch with Passenger and Cargo variations in Korea and Europe in the second half of this year at a starting price of around £29,000 ($37,000). Along with the Light Camper, other versions including a Chassis Cab, Crew Cab, Freezer Box, Drop Side and WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) will follow. Available with either a 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh battery, the more powerful version should have a max range just shy of 250 miles (30 miles or so less than the Volkswagen ID.Buzz). Kia says a 10-80 percent charge will take just 30 minutes with the right charger.
At the reveal, Kia wanted to focus on the Cargo (with up to 5.1 m3 space in the back) and Passenger options, and was reluctant to talk about the coming campers, but an image of the red interior of the Light Camper was ever-so-briefly flashed up on a giant screen (see top image) during the presentation. What's more, a side exhibit at the event displayed a PV5 rear end with various camping paraphernalia including fold-out interior side tables ideal for laptops, places to hang med kits and stowage for camping gear.
Built in V2L, or vehicle-to-load, means that the camper—much like most Kia's now—will be able to power any household electric appliance, which is a boon out in the wilds. Inside at the front, a 12.9in infotainment screen in the front runs an Android Automotive OS, while the driver gets a 7in digital instrument cluster.
Based on the WKNDR concept, the Light Camper is intended as an 'escape pod for extended weekends in nature', and should feature a flexible modular interior that can be easily customized to maximize space or kit it out for various pursuits. Kia called its concept a 'Swiss Army Knife on wheels" which would also feature a mobile pantry for 'cooking afficionados that want to cook with a view'. So here's hoping a mobile kitchen to rival the likes of Rivian is on the cards.
We're also hoping Kia's idea of installing an onboard compressor to handle adjusting tire pressure when out on the trail, and inflating mattresses when setting up camp for the night makes the production Light Camper version, too.
The EV2, Kia's mini SUV aimed at the city market, is coming next year, and yes it will look as good as this. PHOTOGRAPH: KIA
Looking to fill out its EV range to include an mini urban SUV, Kia has today revealed the EV2. It's a concept, yes, but the auto company has already said that it's definitely coming in 2026 and—much like all its recent concepts—the exterior will remain largely unchanged. The minimalist interior? Nope. Yes the sliding seats are fancy, but Karim Habib, head of global design at Kia, confirmed to WIRED that it was unlikely the inside will look anything like the concept offering.
Before we get to that, the exterior looks like a surprisingly successful shrinking of the excellent EV9, and that's a good thing. Think of it as an SUVified Kia Soul, if you will, but with rear-hinged doors at the back which although striking, will not make it to the final production model. Destined for the European market early next year at around £25,000 (€30,000), this competes with the Renault 5, Hyundai Inster and Skoda Epiq.
Powertrain details could well be subject to change, but Kia has confirmed that this entry-level EV will boast a 55 kWh battery giving 270 miles of range as well as a new LFP iteration with around 185 miles. Vehicle-to-load bi-directional charging will also feature, so this means that along with the somewhat niche design theme inspiration of "picnics in the city", the EV2 could power a post-sandwich projector and sound system set-up.
Kia's EV4 boasts a a super-low drag coefficient, which helps it get a possible max range of 390 miles. PHOTOGRAPH: KIA
After so many tease images it was almost no reveal at all, Kia has also taken the covers off its final production version of the EV4 sedan, which also comes in a hatchback version, too. It has 58.3 kWh and 81.4 kWh long-range battery options and a super-low drag coefficient of 0.23 Cd, helped by full underbody covers for better aerodynamics. This means a claimed WLTP maximum of 390 miles on the long-range model and 267 miles on the standard. For the hatchback this drops down to 367 and 255 miles respectively. Performance? The 150 kW motor will apparently be good for 0-62 mph in 7.4 seconds in this EV costing £30,500 (€37,000).
The EV4's charging will be 10-80 percent in as little as 31 minutes if you find the right charger, and inside you get a typically attractive Kia interior that's been set up to at least attempt to alleviate some boredom while topping up mid-trip. Rest Mode will set the front-row relaxation seats back, as well as activate a "mood lamp to create a comforting atmosphere". The 12.3-inch, 5.3-inch and 12.3-inch screens that make up the EV4's 30-inch wide-screen display are brought to bear with in "Vehicle Smart TV", where YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, games and karaoke are on tap—plus there's support for 21:9 aspect ratio and a "Theatre Mode" which brings in interior mood lighting and the eight-speaker sound system into play. Trunk space is 490 liters (435 for the hatch), but the opening to get in there is surprisingly tight.
Safety kit highway driving assist and forward collision avoidance, and there's also an assistance system called the 'Driver Package F+', which uses camera and radar to warn of hazards ahead. And mercifully a steering wheel button allows you to mute the speed-warning beeps and bongs with one touch.
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