Latest news with #PlatformBeyondVehicle
The Sun
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Sun
Kia Unveils PV5 WAV
KIA CORPORATION has unveiled its latest innovation in accessible transport with the debut of its PV5 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle (WAV) at the Financial Times' Future of the Car Summit, held in collaboration with the UK's Motability Operations Ltd. The showcase marks a significant advancement in Kia's global commitment to inclusive and sustainable mobility. The PV5 WAV, part of Kia's expanding Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) portfolio, represents a fusion of advanced electric vehicle technology and inclusive design. Developed specifically for individuals with mobility challenges, the model exemplifies the automaker's vision of a future where transport is equitable, sustainable, and accessible to all. Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of the PBV Division at Kia, emphasised that the PV5 WAV is not merely a mode of transport, but a symbol of autonomy and empowerment. He noted that by combining innovative PBV architecture with human-centric design, Kia aims to ensure that individuals with disabilities can participate fully in the transition to electric mobility. The need for accessible transport is growing globally due to rising life expectancy and an ageing population, which is creating increasing demand for WAVs. Simultaneously, the decline in availability of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, which were often adapted into WAVs, has created an urgent need for purpose-built electric alternatives. Kia's PV5 WAV is a direct response to this shift, offering a ready-made electric solution for the next era of mobility. Kia's efforts to champion mobility for all are long-standing. Since 2012, the company has implemented initiatives like the 'Green Trip' project in South Korea, aimed at improving travel access for people with disabilities. In 2021, Kia expanded its reach through a universal mobility pilot project in Los Angeles, providing accessible ride-hailing services for those with specific mobility needs. The new PV5 WAV has been meticulously designed to cater not only to wheelchair users but also to their caregivers and family members. Key features include a side-entry configuration for safe kerbside boarding, a third-row tip-up seat to facilitate assistance, and a reinforced entry ramp capable of supporting up to 300kg. The wheelchair restraint system has also been specially developed to maximise safety and ease of use. Manufacturing of the side-entry variant will take place at Kia's Hwaseong EVO Plant in Korea. The facility employs the company's Made-In-Plant system, which prioritises environmentally sustainable production processes. This approach aligns with Kia's broader strategy of reducing environmental impact while lowering entry barriers for those in need of accessible transport. On the technology front, the PV5 WAV integrates accessibility applications built on the Android Automotive Operating System (AAOS), ensuring intuitive operation for users with diverse needs. Kia's collaboration with Motability Operations, the UK's leading vehicle leasing provider for disabled drivers, is central to the rollout strategy. Through the Motability Scheme, individuals receiving eligible disability benefits are able to lease adapted vehicles that enable access to employment, healthcare, education and daily independence. This partnership strengthens Kia's role as a leader in sustainable, customer-focused mobility solutions. Looking ahead, Kia intends to extend its PBV WAV offerings beyond the UK, bringing the benefits of the PV5 to new markets as part of a global expansion of its inclusive mobility portfolio. This move reinforces the brand's objective of delivering electric, accessible solutions that serve humanity at large.
Engadget
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- Engadget
Kia debuts the PV5 WAV, a wheelchair-ready electric van
Kia has introduced a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) iteration of its first electric van. The PV5 WAV offers several accessibility features, such as a side-entry system so a wheelchair user can board the van from the sidewalk, and a quick-use entry ramp rated for 300kg (661 lbs). It's equipped with a tip-up seat in the third row so other riders can assist a wheelchair passenger from the side. The PV5 WAV also has a wheelchair-specific belt fastening system. The brand collaborated with Motability Operations on the debut of the PV5 WAV. Motability Operations is a long-term partner of the UK's vehicle leasing plan that helps people with disabilities to have an accessible mode of transportation. "By integrating cutting-edge Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) technology with thoughtful design, we are paving the way for a future where everyone can enjoy the benefits of sustainable mobility, and our partnership with Motability Operations is a testament to our commitment to making this vision a reality," Sangdae Kim, executive vice president and head of Kia's PBV Division, said. The PBV tech has been the foundation for a few of Kia's new vehicle announcements over the past year, including at CES 2024 . The standard model of the PV5, Kia's first electric van, recently began pre-orders in the UK. Kia hasn't shared pricing information yet about the WAV model, but the non-WAV version retails starting at £32,995 (about $44,000).
Al Bawaba
09-04-2025
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
Kia and LG Electronics Partner to Showcase New PBV Concepts for Work and Play
Kia Corporation and LG Electronics today announced a partnership to collaborate on the implementation of mobility space solutions based on PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) technology. The companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Kia pavilion at the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, held at KINTEX in Goyang, South Korea, and unveiled concept models for mobile work and recreational spaces that incorporate advanced home appliances into Kia's MOU signing ceremony was attended by Won-Jeong Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Korea Business Division at Kia, and Lyu Jae-cheol, president of the LG Home Appliance Solution agreement brings together Kia's PBV technology and LG's expertise in AI solutions. The companies aim to offer customized space experiences for users, tailored to different lifestyles and work needs, by integrating advanced home appliances into PBVs. This will enable users to transform the vehicle into a personalized office, studio, lounge, etc.'By offering mobility space solutions that combine automobiles with home appliances, we aim to lead a transformative shift in customers' lifestyles,' said Won-Jeong Jeong, Executive Vice President and Head of Korea Business Division at Kia. 'This partnership with LG Electronics advances the core value of PBVs, contributing to a new mobility paradigm where vehicles evolve into personalized spaces for living and working.'PV5 Spielraum conceptsKia and LG are showcasing two PV5 Spielraum concept models at the Kia pavilion during the 2025 Seoul Mobility Show, held from April 4 to 13. The word 'Spielraum' – German for 'play space' – reflects the concept of flexible mobility Studio concept: The Spielraum Studio concept is aimed at solo entrepreneurs who travel frequently, requiring both workspace and storage. It features LG's AI-powered home appliances, such as its modular Stylers[i], smart mirrors, and coffee machines, which are integrated to optimize the PV5's interior. The AI system can monitor the user's business schedule, calculate the remaining travel time to the destination, and recommend appliance settings Glow cabin concept: The Spielraum Glow cabin concept is designed to cater to the growing demand for car picnic experiences. It includes appliances such as refrigerators, lightwave ovens, and wine cellars, seamlessly supporting a wide range of outdoor leisure activities. Each appliance has MoodUP™ panels[ii] that adjust color based on the user's preferences, providing a unique two companies are working together to bring the concept models to market in the second half of 2026. With this agreement as a starting point, they also plan to cooperate in developing advanced home appliances and AI solutions that can streamline and enhance everyday tasks. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Korea Herald
28-02-2025
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Kia, Samsung join hands to make cars smarter
Korea's leading auto, electronics giants expand partnership with series of collaboration announcements Kia has partnered with Samsung Electronics to advance the digital experience of the former's Platform Beyond Vehicle, or PBV, offerings by integrating the latter's internet of things, or IoT, solutions into the Kia PBVs, the automaker said Thursday. According to Kia, the two signed a memorandum of understanding during Kia's 2025 EV Day held in Tarragona, Spain, on Monday to mark the latest collaboration announcement between Korea's two leading conglomerates -- Hyundai Motor Group and Samsung Group -- after they consecutively unveiled a series of plans to work together in robot-dedicated batteries and smart factories earlier this week. Under the agreement, Samsung's business-to-business IoT platform -- SmartThings Pro -- will be applied to Kia PBVs to enable automated connectivity with business spaces. This solution is expected to help business customers integrate and manage IoT-enabled appliances without complex installations, allowing users to set up certain routines based on the destination entered into the vehicle's infotainment system. For example, if a bakery owner were to set a wholesale market as her destination in a Kia PBV, the pre-programmed routine would automatically activate an ingredient purchase mode so that the car's internal cooling system makes sure the purchased food stays fresh during the drive. After visiting the market, the bakery owner could set her own store as the next destination in the PBV to activate a commute mode that turns on the air conditioning, signage and other equipment in the store while producing a to-do list as the system checks the inventory. While on the road after business hours, the bakery owner could also activate a closing mode that ensures devices in the shop are turned off, energy-saving measures are applied and security features are engaged. The system sends real-time notifications to the PBV if unusual activities or system malfunctions are detected. A guesthouse owner, meanwhile, could activate an unmanned operation mode that enables remote check-in and check-out, unlocks room doors for visitors and controls electronic devices. 'Kia PBVs are designed to be more than just vehicles -- they are intelligent business solutions that connect seamlessly with digital ecosystems,' said Kim Sang-dae, head of Kia's PBV Division. "We anticipate that our business collaboration with Samsung, leveraging its AI B2B solution SmartThings Pro, will extend the vehicle user experience for our business customers beyond PBVs into the broader IoT ecosystem. This partnership is expected to create new opportunities to bring value to the customer." On top of the examples already mentioned, the collaboration between Kia and Samsung is expected to yield other IoT solutions specifically customized to the needs of PBV drivers across a range of industries in global markets. "By integrating SmartThings Pro into Kia PBVs, we plan to present an intelligent new way for businesses to connect to their customers," said Park Chan-woo, executive vice president of the B2B Integrated Offering Center at Samsung Electronics. "We will provide an optimized, integrated store management experience based on customized solutions to cater to a range of B2B customers, including the self-employed and small business owners."
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kia PV5 Electric Van, with a Future Form, Heads to Production
The Kia PV5 battery-electric van will ride on the company's Platform Beyond Vehicle strategy. Kia says the PV5 will be available in cargo and passenger versions and will be joined by further additions to the range. Kia will share more battery-electric news during its EV Day event on Monday, February 24. Ahead of its EV Day presentation this coming Monday, Kia is showing off a battery-electric PV5. That alphanumeric name translates to a battery-electric cargo or passenger van. Originally showing its face at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show as a concept, this PV5 has a green light for production. According to Kia, the futuristically shaped PV5 will be part of its Platform Beyond Vehicle strategy. While that might not mean anything to most of us, it does mean this PV5 will be part of the growing modular Kia battery-electric plan. This should help these vans easily adapt to various use cases around the globe, which could be good news for van-centric US shoppers. Available in cargo and passenger configurations, the new PV5 could be a direct competitor to Volkswagen's ID. Buzz van. More importantly, it means there will be more consumer-facing and commercial vans on the market. Kia also showed off the PV5 WKNDR concept at the 2024 SEMA show that targets overlanding enthusiasts. Kia hasn't revealed anything about the PV5's battery or motor array yet. However, the company will likely drop more details during its EV Day presentation on Monday, February 24. Kia says this presentation will also include more PV5 variants with conversion options. Is this van coming to the United States? Considering the company's efforts at CES and the SEMA show, it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see these stateside. Do you think Kia should bring the PV5 to the USA? Tell us your thoughts below.
