Kia’s new PV5 electric van has been seen undergoing testing in the United States, renewing speculation about a potential U.S. launch. Although the van is already available in South Korea and parts of Europe, the automaker has yet to confirm plans for the U.S. market.
The PV5 is the first vehicle under Kia’s dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business, which aims to offer purpose-built electric solutions for mobility and logistics sectors. Kia has previously stated the vehicle will expand to “other global markets” beginning in 2026, though no specific reference has been made to the U.S.
Recent sightings of the PV5 in the U.S., including a test drive in Arizona, suggest that Kia may be considering an entry. “There’s no denying that’s Kia’s electric van,” said Chris Higa, an Automotive Validation Engineer who shared images of the van on social media after spotting it on American roads. However, the test vehicle’s presence does not constitute confirmation of a launch.
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One hurdle is the 25% import tariff imposed on foreign-made vans, a policy recently reinforced by the Trump administration. Since the PV5 is produced at Kia’s Hwaseong facility in South Korea, any export to the U.S. would be subject to this duty, potentially impacting its competitiveness.
Kia’s overall EV sales in the U.S. have declined, with combined EV6 and EV9 deliveries nearly halving in the first half of 2025 compared to a year earlier. Still, the company is boosting domestic production to reduce its reliance on imports. Both the EV6 and EV9 are now being built at Kia’s factory in West Point, Georgia.
In Europe, the PV5 comes in Passenger and Cargo variants, with battery options of 51.5 kWh or 71.2 kWh. These configurations provide WLTP-estimated ranges of up to 249 miles, depending on the model. Deliveries in South Korea are scheduled to begin next month, with additional markets expected to follow in the final quarter of 2025.