Kia’s new all-electric PV5 has been named 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY), becoming the first Korean model to win the award since it was introduced in 1992.
The PV5 was announced as the winner at the IVOTY Award Gala at SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyon, France, where it won unanimously against six finalists. The jury is made up of 26 commercial-vehicle journalists from around the world.
Judges assess each contender on real-world productivity improvements, focusing on innovation, safety, efficiency and environmental performance.
IVOTY jury chairman Jarlath Sweeney says the PV5 sets a new benchmark for the segment.
“Congratulations to Kia for winning the prestigious 34th International Van of the Year Award,” Sweeney says.
“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. Kia has long been celebrated for its award-winning cars, and now, its van division is making an equally powerful impact on the industry.”
Kia’s first electric van lands major global title
The PV5 is Kia’s first dedicated electric light commercial vehicle and the debut model in its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) programme. It is built on the E-GMP.S platform, offering a WLTP range of up to 416km for the Cargo Long model and 412km for the five-seat Passenger version. DC fast charging from 10% to 80% takes about 30 minutes. Payload is rated at 790kg.
The PV5 has also secured a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the longest distance travelled by a light-duty electric van at maximum payload on a single charge — 693.38km.
Kia president and chief executive Ho Sung Song says the award reflects the brand’s push into purpose-built EVs.
“Kia has long stood at the forefront of EV innovation, and the PV5 brings that leadership into the commercial vehicle space with purpose,” Song says.
“We developed the PV5 by listening closely to our business customers… To have the PV5 named International Van of the Year in its debut is an exceptional honor.”
Kia Europe president and chief executive Marc Hedrich says the result shows the brand is ready to compete strongly in commercial vehicles.
“Winning the prestigious International Van of the Year Award is a true honor… Though new to the LCV market, this achievement confirms Kia’s readiness to deliver engineering, design and practicality to strengthen our position as a leading mobility solutions provider.”
Larger PBVs on the way
Kia says customer feedback shaped the PV5 throughout development, with logistics, delivery and mobility operators involved from the start. Larger PBV models — the PV7 and PV9 — are also under development.
Automobile Magazine-AU
