Kia PBV concepts previews future of electric mobility, logistics

Kia officially revealed its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) concepts at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). All of these concept cars are electric vehicles (EVs) and are designed to cater to a vast number of mobility and logistics needs. 

Kia PV1 concept

Within the PBV lineup, there’s the compact PV1, the mid-size PV5, and the large PV7. These are modular vehicles that can help in solving a variety of mobility challenges by way of customized vehicle types. 

The smaller PV1 for instance, can function as a platform for the final stretches of a delivery line. Due to its size, it can fit in tight residential areas and in-city secondary roads. The PV5 meanwhile, looks like it would do well as a vehicle for utility companies, whereas the large PV7 can function as a main logistics solution for businesses. 

The PBV lineup

At the CES, the PV5 was given particular focus for its versatility. It can go beyond the scope of a traditional commercial vehicle, and it can even be used for ride-hailing services, a personal car, a passenger van with a wheelchair ramp, or even as a pickup truck. 

These PBVs are tech-heavy as well, and their production versions will come integrated with several innovations. This includes online fleet management systems with active data gathering, as well as artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance and operational optimization, among others. 

PV5 concept

All of those sounds exciting, but for now, the Korean car brand is yet to discuss the specifics of the PBV platform: we’re talking about powertrains and other mechanical specs. A launch date for the production versions of the PBV was not shared as well. 

The company, however, did indicate that it is currently working on building a PBV-dedicated manufacturing facility in Autoland Hwaseong, South Korea. According to Kia, the said plant will become operational by 2025, and it will have an annual production capacity of 150,000 units. 

PV5 concept with a wheelchair ramp

Kia will then initiate a three-phase launch program. The first phase will roll out the PV5 to focus on ride-hailing, delivery, and utility services. The second phase will go deep into the high-tech solutions from the brand’s partner companies as listed above, as well as the introduction of the PV1 and PV7. Phase three will then involve creative bespoke versions of the PBV as dictated by customer feedback. 

To support the eventual launch of the PBV, Kia and by extension, the Hyundai Motor Group, has already established partnerships with a number of tech companies. The future PBV ecosystem will leverage robotics via Boston Dynamics, autonomous driving with Motional, and even advanced air mobility (AAM) with Hyundai Motor Affiliate Supernal. 

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