Kia has won its first major UK award for the upcoming PV5 electric van, securing the ‘One to Watch’ title at the What Van? Awards 2025, well ahead of its official production launch in 2025. The announcement marks a significant milestone for Kia as it enters the competitive electric commercial vehicle market. This prestigious award, presented during a ceremony on 4 December at the London Hilton Bankside, is given to the most promising and innovative vehicles set to transform the industry.
The What Van? Awards celebrate excellence in the UK’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector, with winners selected by a panel of expert judges drawn from the industry. The ‘One to Watch’ Award is specifically aimed at vehicles that demonstrate the potential to disrupt or significantly enhance the market, highlighting products poised to shape the future of the sector. The Kia PV5, which will be the brand’s first fully electric van, was recognised for its advanced features and versatility.
James Dallas, the Editor of What Van?, commented, “Kia’s entry into the LCV market with this versatile, modular van promises to signal the shape of things to come for electric load carriers.” His statement underscores the forward-thinking approach that Kia is taking as it ventures into this new area of electric vehicles.
Simon Hetherington, Commercial Director at Kia UK, expressed pride in receiving the award, saying, “Kia’s entrance into the van industry is a ground-breaking moment for our brand and comes at a time of significant industry change. We gratefully accept What Van?’s ‘One to Watch’ award, and we are all very proud of this recognition.” This award highlights Kia’s commitment to innovation and sustainable mobility in the commercial vehicle market.
The PV5 is part of Kia’s Plan S global strategy, which was unveiled in January 2020. This strategy focuses on the company’s commitment to electric and sustainable vehicles, marking the beginning of a new era for Kia. To support this mission, Kia broke ground on a dedicated electric van factory in April 2023, reinforcing its dedication to the electric vehicle (EV) market.
In January 2024, at the CES in Las Vegas, Kia unveiled its Concept PV5 and Concept PV7, showcasing the company’s pioneering approach to electric commercial vehicles. The PV5, in particular, is set to bring groundbreaking features to the light commercial vehicle sector. Among its notable technologies is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L), which allows the vehicle to provide power to external devices, and integrated fleet management solutions designed to streamline operations for business owners.
The PV5 is not only about cutting-edge technology but also about sustainability. It is designed to be environmentally friendly, incorporating features that reduce the carbon footprint while providing businesses with an efficient and reliable transportation solution. Kia’s ambition is to revolutionise the electric van sector with a vehicle that blends efficiency, versatility, and sustainability, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
In early 2025, Kia will officially reveal the production version of the Concept PV5, offering full details on specifications, pricing, and the UK business strategy. This release will provide further insights into the vehicle’s capabilities and the broader impact of Kia’s entry into the electric commercial vehicle market.
Kia’s focus on the commercial vehicle sector is a significant part of its broader strategy to be a leader in the electric vehicle space. The PV5 represents the brand’s continued efforts to innovate and support the global shift towards electric and sustainable transportation solutions. As the electric vehicle market evolves, Kia is positioning itself as a key player in shaping the future of sustainable commercial vehicles.
