Kia PV5 Cargo sets EV range record

Adding weight to its attempt to win over Australian light commercial vehicle operators, Kia’s PV5 Cargo electric delivery van has set a Guinness World Record for EV range. The Korean carmaker’s first fully-electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), the PV5 Cargo has officially broken a Guinness World Record for achieving: “The greatest distance travelled by a light-duty, battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge”.

The record-setting vehicle was a ‘Long Range’ 4-door variant of the new PV5 Cargo, featuring a 71.2kWh battery – virtually the same spec as what’s been released in Australia. Loaded with its maximum authorised payload of 665kg for the record attempt, which took place on public roads north of Frankfurt, Germany, the PV5 covered 693.38km (430.84mi) on a single charge, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and endurance in the eLCV segment.

“The Guinness World Record achieved by the PV5 Cargo is a milestone that embodies Kia’s vision of creating mobility solutions that go beyond transportation,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO, Kia Corporation. “This remarkable accomplishment proves that our Platform Beyond Vehicle is not only innovative in concept but also practical and efficient in the real world.”

Preparation and everyday practicality

Ahead of the record attempt, inspectors from German vehicle compliance authorities, TÜV Hessen and buck Vermessung, supervised the loading process and verified compliance with weight specifications. Before departure, the PV5’s battery was charged to 100%, with both the charging port and cargo compartment sealed until the end of the 22-hour, 30-minute journey.

The drive was continuously recorded using GPS tracking and in-cabin cameras, with the route carefully designed to replicate the daily realities of delivery and logistics operations. Over a 58.2km urban and extra-urban loop, the PV5 Cargo faced traffic lights, intersections, roundabouts, and typical city traffic — mirroring conditions most van drivers encounter every day. On top of this, the van repeatedly tackled an elevation gain of approximately 370m, completing the loop eleven times while carrying its full payload, finally coming to a stop within the twelfth loop.

The men behind the wheel

Driving duties for the PV5 Cargo record were split between George Barrow and Christopher Nigemeier. Barrow is a UK-based commercial vehicle journalist with more than 15 years’ experience covering LCVs. He has also been on the jury of the International Van of the Year Award since 2016. Nigemeier is a senior engineer at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre and has been part of the PV5 development team. He holds degrees in mechanical engineering.

“I'm genuinely excited to have been part of this Guinness World Record title – it was a demanding but unforgettable journey,” said Barrow. “I was seriously impressed by how far the Kia PV5 can go: more than 690km on a single charge and with a full payload. That’s no small feat, and I have a feeling this record won’t be easy to beat!

“The PV5 and Christopher were great teammates for this challenge, and I’m proud to have been part of a record that pushes the boundaries for electric vans.”

Nigemeier described the challenge as both technical and personal: “George brought an incredible amount of driving experience from testing other vans, while I had the advantage of knowing the PV5’s powertrain inside out.

“It became a friendly competition between us — who could squeeze the most out of each kilowatt-hour. In the end, it was the vehicle itself that impressed us both.”

PV5 Cargo in detail

The first model in Kia’s ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’ (PBV) family, the PV5 is built on Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S) architecture, using a modular “building block” concept. This allows for multiple configurations — Cargo, Passenger, Cab Chassis and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle — to suit a wide range of commercial and individual applications.

The PV5 Cargo offers up to 4.4m3 of load space, with payload capacity of up to 790kg. Battery options currently consist of 51.5kWh and 71.2kWh, producing 89.4kW and 120kW, respectively. A 43.3kWh version will be added in the future.

While 693.38km was achieved on the record-setting drive, Kia’s listed range for the PV5 Cargo is a more humble 416km with the 71.2kWh battery and front-wheel drive motor. Recharge time (to 80%) is as brief as 30 minutes with a DC fast charger, while 11kW AC charging to full 100% capacity takes 4h45m for the 51.5kWh battery and 6h30m for the 71.2kWh battery.

Key weights and measures include 4,695mm x 1,895mm x 1,899mm (LxWxH), a 2,995km wheelbase and 5.5-metre turning circle. The 4.4 cubic metre (4,420lt) cargo area has internal dimensions of 2,255mm x 1,565mm x 1,520mm (LxWxH). Payload varies from 665kg to 790kg, depending on the door configuration and battery. Floor lashing points and a V2L outlet are fitted in the cargo area to power hand tools, a small refrigerator, or other equipment.

The cabin of the PV5 Cargo is equipped with a 12.5-inch centre touchscreen, 7.5-inch digital driver display, heated driver and passenger seats, a heated multifunction steering wheel, wireless Android Auto/Apple Car Play, wireless phone charging, automatic air con, USB-C ports, a 12V outlet and multiple storage compartments. Safety tech includes smart cruise control, lane keep assist, forward collision avoidance, a 360-degree camera and seven airbags.

PV5 Cargo – now In Australia

Following its heroics in Germany, the PV5 Cargo has recently arrived in Australia. While smaller than the Ford Transit and Toyota HiAce, the PV5 Cargo’s benefits include its strong spec levels, impressive in-cabin comfort - for a commercial vehicle - and decent vision.

Flooring in the load area is low (but not level), while not having to accommodate a tailshaft and rear diff means height is good - Kia claim more internal height than a HiAce. Initial driving impressions have praised the performance, handling and steering as being more car-like than van-like.

Australia will only receive the ‘S Long Range’ version of the PV5 Cargo initially, in four-door form with the 71.2kWh battery. Pricing starts from $55,990 RRP, backed by a 7-year warranty.