Kia PV5 Cargo: The Electric Van That Just Broke a World Record!
Kia’s First eLCV Just Shook the Game
Kia’s not just stepping into the electric van world — they’ve kicked the door off its hinges. The Kia PV5 Cargo, their first-ever dedicated electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV), just made Guinness World Records™ history by travelling a mind-blowing 693.38km (430.84 miles) on a single charge… fully loaded.
Yep — that’s the greatest distance ever achieved by a light-duty electric van with max payload. The record-breaking drive went down on 30th September 2025, on real roads north of Frankfurt, Germany — no shortcuts, no lab conditions, just pure Kia power and precision.
Built for Business, Proven by Performance
While Kia might be new to the LCV game, the PV5 Cargo proves they didn’t come to play.
Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe, summed it up perfectly:
“Much of our target audience could operate for almost two full working days on a single charge — that speaks volumes about its real-world capability.”
This van’s a triple threat — efficient, flexible, and smartly connected. It’s not just about breaking records; it’s about setting new standards for urban delivery fleets, tradespeople, and business operators who want power without compromise.
Real Roads, Real Payloads, Real Results
The test route wasn’t some easy cruise — it was a 58.2km urban loop, full of traffic lights, roundabouts, stop-start driving and a 370m elevation climb. The PV5 smashed through 12 full loops, all while carrying its maximum permitted payload, before finally calling it a day on empty.
Kia engineers built this van for everyday practicality. Even when you throw an extra 100kg in the back, range only drops by about 1.5% — that’s crazy efficient for a working vehicle.
This van don’t fold under pressure — it thrives on it.
The Dream Team Behind the Wheel
At the controls were two pros:
George Barrow, a respected commercial vehicle journalist and International Van of the Year juror.
Christopher Nigemeier, a senior engineer from Hyundai Motor Europe’s Technical Center.
Together, they pulled off the 22-hour, 30-minute mission with precision, GPS tracking, and TÜV-certified supervision — ensuring every detail was legit.
Barrow summed it up:
“More than 430 miles on a single charge with a full payload — that’s no small feat. This record won’t be easy to beat!”
Nigemeier added:
“We pushed the PV5 to its limits — and it just kept giving. As an engineer, it’s the kind of result that makes you proud.”
Next-Gen Tech for the Next-Gen Trades
The Kia PV5 isn’t just another EV — it’s the first member of Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) family, sitting on the E-GMP.S architecture. Think modular “building block” design that adapts to your lifestyle or business needs.
The Future of Commercial EVs Starts Here
From record-breaking efficiency to serious real-world range, the Kia PV5 Cargo proves that electric vans aren’t just the future — they’re here now.
Credits to Newspressuk for images
