Record: The Kia PV5 Cargo traveled nearly 700 km fully loaded
Earlier this year, Kia unveiled the PV5, a 100% electric van that will be launched on the Canadian market in the fourth quarter of next year as a 2027 model. In the meantime, on September 30, Kia set a Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled by an electric work van while carrying its maximum payload.
To achieve this feat, Kia meticulously replicated the routine of delivery drivers on the streets of Frankfurt, Germany. The route covered 58.2 km and combined urban (traffic, lights, intersections) and extra-urban situations, with part of the route featuring elevations of up to 340 m. The route was completed a dozen times. As a result, the vehicle traveled 693.38 km on a single charge with 665 kg of cargo in the back.
“The Guinness World Record achieved by the PV5 Cargo is an important milestone that embodies Kia's vision of creating mobility solutions that go beyond simple transportation,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO of Kia Corporation.
The journey was continuously recorded using GPS tracking and onboard cameras. Before departure, the PV5's battery was charged to 100%, while the charging port and cargo compartment were sealed until the end of the 22-hour, 30-minute journey.
The model in question was a four-door PV5 Cargo based on the E-GMP.S platform with a 71.2 kWh battery—which is what we'll be getting here in Canada. The range is estimated at 356 km (416 km according to the more optimistic WLTP standard) and power is rated at 161 horsepower. As for the three-door version, its payload climbs to 690 kg.
In short, this demonstrates, in our opinion, the relevance of the PV5 in cities, where it would excel in the metropolises of La Belle Province. Now we need a test that combines highway driving to also evaluate energy consumption given the vast expanse of our territory, not to mention a winter test.
Currently in Canada, three electric vans are on the market: the Ford E-Transit (up to 256 km range), the Ram ProMaster EV (289 km), and the Mercedes-Benz eSprinter (370 km), while General Motors has just discontinued production of the Chevrolet BrightDrop. While there are many options available, the PV5 has a smaller size that is more similar to the discontinued Ford Transit Connect.
For a first look, our columnist Antoine Joubert had the opportunity to test drive the PV5 in South Korea.
