First From Asia, Kia PV5 Named The Best Van Of The International 2026

Kia PV5. (Photo: HMG Newsroom)

JAKARTA Kia Corporation made history in the global commercial vehicle industry. The Kia PV5 electric van was officially named '2026 International Van of the Year' (IVOTY). This prestigious award, which was announced on November 19, 2025 at the Gala IVOTY Award at SOLUTRANS 2025, Lyon, marked a historic inaugural victory for the Korean brand and Asian manufacturers in this category.

This unanimous decision came from 26 world leading commercial vehicle journalists who are members of the IVOTY jury. Since its founding in 1992, IVOTY has been recognized as the most authoritative award in the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) sector. Kia PV5 has managed to outperform six other competitors, making achievements as Asia's first electric van and the first Korean model to achieve this honor, only becoming the second Asian brand in 34 years of the competition's history. Jarlath penjelis IVOTY, praised PV5 for "establishing a new benchmark for innovation, efficiency, and versatile ability."

This victory strengthened Kia's position as global electric mobility leader, following the success of EV6 and EV9, who previously won the 'World Car of the Year' award.

Kia Corporation's President & CEO, Ho Sung Song, stated that PV5 was developed by listening to business customer needs carefully, focusing on high practicality, modern design, and typical Kia functionality.

"This award strengthens the belief that Kia can redefine the LCV segment through sustainable innovation," he said, quoted from the HMG Newsroom page, Thursday, November 20.

As the first model in the platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) Kia product line, PV5 is built on a dedicated Global-Electric Modular Architecture (E-GMP.S). The vehicle offers a full electric range (WLTP) of up to 416 km for the Cargo Long variant and DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in just about 30 minutes. More impressively, PV5 even holds the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM title for the furthest distance (693.38 km) with maximum charge in single charge.

Flexibility is at the heart of the PV5, thanks to the Flexible Body System system and flat-floor architecture that allows for a variety of top body configurations ranging from cargo to passengers and ready-to-conversion modules. To support business operations, this van is also equipped with advanced digital interfaces, including AI assistants, fleet management services, and integrated app stores, all designed to maximize operational time and efficiency.

With the choice of three battery options and modular exterior components simplifying improvements, PV5 is poised to meet various business needs in Europe today in Cargo Long and Passenger 5-SEATER versions. Additional variants such as Chassis Cab and High Roof will follow from 2026, followed by larger PBV models, PV7 and PV9, confirming Kia's vision to build a next-generation PBV ecosystem.