News
Kia PV5 named International Van of the Year
Kia’s PV5 electric van – the brand’s first electric light commercial vehicle – has been named as the 2026 International Van of the Year.
Words by: Tom Roberts
Published on 20 November 2025 | 0 min read
As Cinderella stories go, Kia’s all-electric PV5 being named the 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY) is one of my favourites. Eighteen months ago Kia was just a very good electric car maker and decided to try making an electric van. That electric van has turned out to be so good it even set a Guiness World Record for the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge, driving 430.85 miles before the battery ran out.
Close enough to perfect…
The PV5 does require prospective drivers to make a few compromises (mainly on payload and a few practicality issues), the overall package and price is excellent… in fact, it’s seismic (you can find out more in our PV5 Cargo first drive article) and truly deserving of this prestigious award.
The PV5 is already available in Cargo (L2H1) and Passenger (five-seater) versions across Europe. From 2026, new variants will join the lineup including a Chassis Cab, short-wheelbase Cargo (L1H1), and High Roof (L2H2) versions. We’ve also had it confirmed that larger PV7 and PV9 vans are currently in development.
The PV5 is already available in Cargo (L2H1) and Passenger (five-seater) versions across Europe. From 2026, new variants will join the lineup including a Chassis Cab, short-wheelbase Cargo (L1H1), and High Roof (L2H2) versions. We’ve also had it confirmed that larger PV7 and PV9 vans are currently in development.
From zero to hero
Kia was handed the award at the IVOTY Award Gala during SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyon, France. The van was considered alongside six other models, including two other electric vans. Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year jury commented: “Congratulations to Kia for winning the prestigious 34th International Van of the Year Award. The all-electric Kia PV5 sets a new benchmark for innovation, efficiency, and all-round capability in the light commercial vehicle segment. It combines zero-emission performance with versatility and practicality, redefining what businesses can expect from a modern van.”
Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of PBV Division (PV5s internal owners) at Kia Corporation added: “In 2022, Kia launched its PBV division with the ambition to redefine the LCV market through innovation, something Kia has always stood for. The Kia PV5 brings that vision to life and receiving the International Van of the Year Award with our very first PBV model confirms that we are heading in the right direction. The PV5 has been developed by actively listening to customer voices, with every detail thoughtfully designed to meet real-world business needs. This award marks an important milestone, yet our journey to deliver meaningful value to customers continues as we expand the PBV line-up.”
Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of PBV Division (PV5s internal owners) at Kia Corporation added: “In 2022, Kia launched its PBV division with the ambition to redefine the LCV market through innovation, something Kia has always stood for. The Kia PV5 brings that vision to life and receiving the International Van of the Year Award with our very first PBV model confirms that we are heading in the right direction. The PV5 has been developed by actively listening to customer voices, with every detail thoughtfully designed to meet real-world business needs. This award marks an important milestone, yet our journey to deliver meaningful value to customers continues as we expand the PBV line-up.”
Did you enjoy this article?
If you enjoyed this article, head to our vans content section and check out our huge range of reviews, news, guides and advice articles.