Latest news with #electricvan
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Why Kia's PV5 Might Be the Most Versatile EV Yet
Kia is shaking up the electric van world with the all-new PV5, a modular EV designed for both businesses and everyday drivers who need space, flexibility, and efficiency. Unveiled at Kia's EV Day, this innovative vehicle caught the attention of the team at the Fully Charged Show, which highlighted its game-changing versatility. Unlike most electric vans, which are often just modified gas models, the PV5 is built from the ground up as an EV, giving it better space efficiency, smarter design, and a lower cost of ownership. Think of it as Kia's answer to the Volkswagen ID. Buzz, but with an even greater focus on practicality. Whether you need a cargo hauler, a roomy family van, or even a mobile workspace, the PV5's modular design makes it one of the most adaptable electric vehicles on the market. And with a starting price expected to undercut competitors, this could be the van that finally gives the commercial EV market the boost it needs. Let's take a closer look at why the PV5 is turning heads. The PV5 stands out with its boxy, functional design, optimized for both commercial and passenger use. Unlike the ID. Buzz, which leans more towards lifestyle applications, the PV5 is engineered with practicality at its core. Its modular architecture allows for various configurations, catering to diverse business needs. At launch, Kia plans to offer three primary body styles: Passenger, Cargo, and Chassis Cab. The Passenger version features a spacious interior with three rows of seats that can be adjusted or removed to accommodate different passenger or cargo requirements. The Cargo model is available in standard, long, and high-roof configurations, providing ample space for goods and equipment. The Chassis Cab variant offers a blank canvas for businesses to customize the rear section according to specific operational needs, such as refrigerated units or specialized equipment. Built on Kia's E-GMP.S platform—a derivative of the Electric Global Modular Platform—the PV5 benefits from a dedicated electric vehicle architecture. This design choice results in a low load floor, enhancing cargo capacity and ease of access. The flat platform also contributes to a more spacious interior, allowing for flexible seating and storage arrangements. The PV5 is equipped with a front-mounted electric motor producing 161 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. Customers can choose between two nickel-manganese-cobalt (NCM) battery options: a 51.5-kWh pack and a 71.2-kWh pack. Additionally, the Cargo variant offers a 43.3-kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery option. The Passenger model with the 71.2-kWh battery boasts a range of up to 248 miles on the WLTP cycle, while the Cargo version offers a maximum cargo space of 5.1 cubic meters, accommodating two Euro-sized pallets. Kia claims that the PV5 can charge from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, enhancing its practicality for businesses requiring quick turnaround times. This rapid charging capability ensures minimal downtime, a crucial factor for commercial operations. One of the most compelling aspects of the PV5 is its competitive pricing. In Europe, the Cargo variant is expected to start between £25,000 and £30,000, significantly undercutting rivals like the Ford E-Transit Custom and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo, which are priced higher. This aggressive pricing strategy positions the PV5 as an attractive option for businesses looking to transition to electric fleets without incurring substantial costs. Kia plans to expand the PV5 lineup with additional variants, including a wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV), a crew cab, and specialized configurations like freezer boxes and campers. These forthcoming versions will further enhance the PV5's appeal across various industries, from logistics to leisure. The PV5 is scheduled to launch in Korea and Europe in the second half of 2025, with other markets to follow in 2026. The Kia PV5 represents a significant advancement in the electric van market, offering a blend of versatility, practicality, and affordability. Its modular design and competitive pricing make it a game-changer for businesses and individuals seeking efficient and customizable electric transportation solutions.
The Independent
13-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Independent
Mon dieu – now Renault is reviving the Renault 4 van
A new all-electric version of the iconic Renault 4 van could be coming to UK streets soon with Renault said to be evaluating a commercial version of the newly launched Renault 4 family SUV. The UK could be a handy market for a new Renault 4 van, with one EV van sale worth two EV car credits as part of the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate. That means Renault UK is likely to be pushing hard for a van version of its latest retro model to help it meet its government-set EV sales targets – currently at 28 per cent of cars sold for this year. It's not known when a new Renault 4 van is likely to arrive, but with the new 4 car arriving in a matter of months, it would be relatively easy to put a van version on sale with minimal development – it could be as simple as removing the rear seats, flattening the floor and fitting a bulkhead behind the front seats. Renault's AmpR Small platform is flexible enough to cope with the demands of a small van, with the Renault 4 car packing the larger of the two batteries seen in the new Renault 5, which shares the same technology. So that would mean a 52kWh battery, which with less unladen weight to carry around in a van, could see a greater range than in the car, possibly well over 250 miles. However, it's also possible that Renault will target lower-mileage users who use their vans for local delivery work, in which casthe Renault 5's 40kWh battery could also be used, giving a potential Renault 4 van a range of around 200 miles – more than enough for many 'last mile' delivery firms. The original Renault 4 van, also called the F4 Fourgonnette, remained on sale from 1970 until the early 80s – over two million versions were made. It was a two-door version of the Renault 4 car with a cube-like rear end for added practicality along with a wide-opening side-hinged door. A longer F6 version was also available for added practicality and with a heavier weight capacity. The original van also included a 'giraffe roof' – a lift-up panel at the back of the load bay that allowed larger objects to be carried – an idea that was continued on the Express and Kangoo models that came after the 4 van.
