Kia’s foray into the electric van market has been nothing short of remarkable. The Kia PV5 the brand’s first electric van, has swiftly become the top-selling small electric van in Europe and the UK. As Kia prepares to launch the larger PV7 in 2027, the future of electric mobility looks increasingly bright.
The PV5’s success story is one of rapid ascent. Since its launch at the end of 2026, it has captured the imagination of European consumers. In five countries, it already accounts for over 50% of electric C-segment van sales through the first half of 2026, including a staggering 63% in Denmark and 54% in the UK.
Kia PV5: A European phenomenon
The PV5’s popularity extends beyond sales figures. It has become the best-selling small electric van in 12 European countries, according to the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA). In the UK, it has claimed the top spot with 3,361 units sold, and it leads the market in Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden.
Sjoerd Knipping, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Europe, expressed his delight at the PV5’s reception. “The customer response to the introduction of the PV5 in Europe has been overwhelming,” he said. The PV5’s appeal lies in its versatility, with Passenger, Cargo, and Chassis variants catering to both businesses and personal use.
The PV5’s success is not just about numbers. It has proven its capabilities in real-world situations, setting a new Guinness World Record in October for the longest distance driven on a single charge by an electric van. This achievement underscores the PV5’s potential to redefine electric mobility.
The upcoming Kia PV7: Bigger and better
While the PV5 continues to make waves, Kia is already looking ahead to its next electric van, the PV7. Set to launch in 2027, the PV7 is expected to be a bigger sibling to the PV5. Recent images and videos of camouflaged prototypes have given us a glimpse of the PV7’s size and design.
The PV7 Concept, unveiled at the 2026 CES, measured an impressive 5,270 mm in length, 2,065 mm in width, and 2,120 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,390 mm. In comparison, the PV5 Passenger measures 4,695 mm in length, 1,895 mm in width, and 1,915 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,995 mm. These dimensions suggest that the PV7 will offer even more space and versatility.
Like the PV5, the PV7 is expected to be equipped with Hyundai’s new Pleos infotainment system and fleet software. This will ensure that the PV7 is not just a larger van, but also a more advanced and user-friendly one.
Kia’s electric van lineup: A vision for the future
Kia’s success with the PV5 and the upcoming PV7 is part of a larger vision. The brand aims to introduce the PV9 by 2029, completing a full lineup of electric vans that includes the PV5, PV7, and PV9. With this lineup, Kia plans to sell 232,000 PBVs by 2030.
Kia’s electric van revolution is not just about sales and launches. It’s about redefining mobility and setting new standards for electric vehicles. As the PV5 continues to dominate the European market and the PV7 prepares to make its mark, Kia is poised to lead the way in the electric van revolution.
