Kia PV5 is the 2026 International Van of The Year
Kia PV5 bests six other contenders to win the 2026 IVOTY award
After making its debut not too long ago, Kia is proud to announce that its first fully electric van was recently recognized with an award.
That's right, the Kia PV5 was unanimously chosen by 26 leading commercial vehicle journalists worldwide. This meant the PV5 has been named the 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY), marking a historic first for both the brand and a Korean manufacturer.
The award was presented last November 19, 2025, at the IVOTY Award Gala during SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyon, France. The Kia PV5 delivered standout performance, beating six other contenders. It also breaks new ground as Asia’s first electric van and the first Korean model to receive this honor, making Kia only the second Asian brand to achieve this distinction in the competition’s 34-year history.
Building on Kia's global EV leadership, underscored by previous World Car of the Year wins for the EV6 and EV9, the PV5 sets a new standard for the commercial sector, reaffirming the brand’s vision for electric mobility across multiple segments.
“Congratulations to Kia for winning the prestigious 34th International Van of the Year Award. “The all-electric Kia PV5 sets a new benchmark for innovation, efficiency, and all-round capability in the light commercial vehicle segment. It combines zero-emission performance with versatility and practicality, redefining what businesses can expect from a modern van. Kia has long been celebrated for its award-winning cars, and now, its van division is making an equally powerful impact on the industry,” said Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year jury.
The PV5 is Kia's first eLCV and the inaugural model in its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) lineup. Built on a dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), the PV5 offers an all-electric range (WLTP) of up to 416 km for Cargo Long and 412 km for Passenger 5-seater. It also supports DC fast charging, which can recharge the van from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes, and has a payload capacity of up to 790 kg. The PV5 even won the Guinness World Record for the “greatest distance traveled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with a maximum payload on a single charge”, achieving 693.38 km.
With its flat floor and flexible body system, the Kia PV5 allows for multiple body configurations. It features next-generation digital interfaces, including a built-in AI assistant, fleet management services, and an app marketplace to enhance uptime and operations. To match business needs, the PV5 is available with three battery options: 43.3 kWh, 51.5 kWh, and 71.2 kWh.
“Kia has long stood at the forefront of EV innovation, and the PV5 brings that leadership into the commercial vehicle space with purpose. We developed the PV5 by listening closely to our business customers and by focusing on creating a vehicle that is both highly practical and distinctly Kia in its refined, modern design and functionality. To have the PV5 named International Van of the Year in its debut is an exceptional honor. It reinforces our belief that Kia can redefine this segment and continue shaping the future of smart, sustainable, and electric mobility for businesses around the world,” said Ho Sung Song, president & CEO of Kia Corporation.
Available now in Cargo Long and Passenger 5-seater versions across Europe, the PV5 will be joined from 2026 by new variants, including a Chassis Cab, Cargo Standard, and High Roof. Additional PBV models will follow, such as the larger PV7 and PV9, strengthening Kia’s vision to build a full-scale, next-generation PBV ecosystem.
