Rahul Somvanshi
Kia unveiled three new electric vehicles at Milan Design Week 2025, showcasing the brand’s vision for future mobility.
The Korean automaker’s “Transcend Journey” exhibition ran from April 7-9 at Milan’s Eastend Studios, featuring a production-ready van called the PV5, an outdoor-focused PV5 WKNDR concept, and a compact city car named Concept EV2.
The PV5 is Kia’s first “Platform Beyond Vehicle” (PBV) set to launch in Korea and Europe later this year. Built on a flat electric base, it can be configured in three ways – as a passenger van, cargo vehicle, or chassis cab for custom setups.
Photo Source: KIA Global Media Center
“The PV5 offers 30-minute fast-charging capability and can travel up to 248 miles on a single charge,” said a Kia representative at the event. The van offers two battery sizes for most versions: 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh.
For delivery companies, the cargo version provides up to 5.1 cubic meters of space with a low step-in height of 419mm, making loading easier. The PV5 is compatible with Fleet Management Solutions (FMS) through a partnership with Geotab, allowing businesses to connect and manage their vehicles using vehicle data.
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The PV5 WKNDR concept takes the same electric platform but transforms it for weekend getaways. It features off-road tires, higher suspension, and a front winch for tough terrain. Its most innovative feature is the “Gear Head,” a storage unit that provides sheltered space for gear when parked and can turn into an outdoor kitchen.
For campers worried about running out of power, the WKNDR includes roof solar panels and special wheels that can generate electricity from wind and water. Inside, the floor is made from recycled Nike sneakers, showing Kia’s interest in sustainable materials.
Photo Source: KIA Global Media Center
The Concept EV2, a small electric SUV for city driving, offers flexible seating, pop-up dividers for organizing cargo, and removable door speakers. Its interior uses mushroom-based materials and plant fibers instead of traditional plastics.
Kia partnered with outdoor gear maker Helinox and coffee brand Potler for the exhibition. Helinox provided materials for the display structure, while Potler offered their signature s’more kit and coffee to visitors.
The global market for purpose-built electric vehicles is growing at 6.1% yearly through 2030, driven by delivery services and ride-sharing companies needing specialized vehicles. Kia is investing $758 million in a factory just for these vehicles, with plans to introduce larger models called PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029.
By 2030, Kia aims to sell 250,000 PBVs annually as part of its larger goal of 4.19 million vehicle sales worldwide, with more than half being electric or hybrid.
For businesses operating in cities with strict emissions rules, electric vans like the PV5 are becoming necessary rather than just environmentally friendly options.
