Kia has unveiled the PV7 Cargo, a new electric van that will sit above the smaller PV5 when it arrives in the UK next year.
The PV7 is the second model in Kia’s new range of purpose-built electric commercial vehicles. While a Passenger version will also be offered, the Cargo model is aimed at delivery operators, fleets and small businesses, with several body configurations planned.
At 5.35 metres long in its initial ‘Long’ configuration, the PV7 will compete towards the larger end of the medium van market. Its main electric rivals will include the Ford E-Transit Custom, Volkswagen e-Transporter, Vauxhall Vivaro Electric, Peugeot E-Expert and Mercedes-Benz eVito, along with the forthcoming Renault Trafic E-Tech.
Kia will offer two battery sizes, with the longest-range Cargo model expected to cover more than 285 miles between charges. The ‘Long’ version provides 6.1m³ of load space, while an 8.0m³ ‘High Roof’ model will follow as Kia expands the range. The PV7 Cargo is expected to arrive in the UK during the second half of 2027.
Up to 8.0m³ of load space
Kia will eventually offer ‘Compact’, ‘Long’ and ‘High Roof’ versions of the PV7 Cargo, alongside a Chassis Cab for specialist conversions.
The ‘Long’ model offers up to 6.1m³ of load volume, while the ‘High Roof’ increases this to 8.0m³. Payload varies according to version. Kia quotes a maximum of 1,165kg for the ‘Long’, while the smaller ‘Compact’ can carry up to 1,200kg.
The ‘Long’ has a loading height of 550mm and enough space for three Euro pallets. Customers will also be able to choose between conventional lift-up rear doors and twin side-hinged doors, depending on how the van will be used.
Kia has also developed a dedicated heavy-load driving mode that adjusts the vehicle’s behaviour according to the weight being carried.
Two batteries and more than 285 miles of range
Two battery sizes will be available: 72kWh and 96kWh. The most powerful versions produce up to 272hp, driving the front wheels. Four-wheel drive is also planned, although this will follow after the initial launch.
Kia says the ‘Long Range Cargo’ will cover more than 285 miles on the WLTP cycle, although the final homologated figure has yet to be announced.
The PV7 is built on 800-volt electrical archetecture, allowing considerably faster charging than the smaller PV5. Kia currently expects a 10% to 80% charge to take somewhere in the mid-20-minute range when connected to a sufficiently powerful 350kW rapid charger, although that figure remains provisional.
Unusually, the PV7 can also be equipped with two charging ports. The main AC/DC connection is at the front, while an optional second AC port can be fitted towards the rear, potentially making charging easier when vans are parked in different positions at depots or loading areas.
Vehicle-to-load functionality will allow tools and other electrical equipment to be powered from the van’s battery.
Designed for the delivery route
The Cargo’s cab can be configured with two or three seats. On three-seat versions, the centre seatback can be folded down to create a work surface.
Kia says it has also paid particular attention to drivers who repeatedly get in and out during delivery rounds, adding an A-pillar grab handle and altering the seating position and step arrangement to make access easier.
A choice of 13- and 15-inch central infotainment displays will be available, running Kia’s Android-based ‘Pleos Connect’ software. Drivers won’t have to rely on the screen for everything – Kia says physical controls remain for frequently used functions.
Fleet operators will also have access to connected services covering vehicle monitoring, charging and maintenance, including predictive diagnostics intended to identify potential problems before they result in downtime.
The PV7 will additionally be offered as a Passenger model with seating for up to nine people. The company plans to develop 23 different PV7 variants, including specialist conversions, after the model launches in 2027.
The Kia PV7 Cargo is scheduled to launch in Europe in the second half of 2027. UK pricing, final specifications and an exact launch date have yet to be announced.
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