THE VOICE OF THE NEW ZEALAND AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY

Kia confirms PV5 electric van for New Zealand launch

Auto Channel Issue #93 — August 2026
Kia’s first electric van lands in New Zealand from $64,990 this quarter, the opening move in a three-model commercial EV rollout

Kia New Zealand has confirmed local pricing and timing for its PV5 electric van, with the Cargo five-door variant arriving in the third quarter priced from $64,990 plus on-road costs. A six-door configuration is available as a $500 option over the five-door. The Passenger seven-seat model follows in the fourth quarter, with pricing to be confirmed closer to launch. A Cargo High Roof version, offered in both five- and six-door configurations, is scheduled to arrive in the first quarter of 2027.

The PV5 is the first step in a wider commercial EV strategy for Kia, with the larger PV7 and PV9 vans due to follow within the next few years.

“With the widest EV range in the passenger and SUV segment, it made sense for the natural progression of our range to enter the commercial market,” Kia New Zealand managing director Todd McDonald said. “The PV5 is the first step to our multi-step strategy of bringing in electric vans to suit Kiwi needs, with PV7 and PV9 expected in the next few years.”

McDonald said interest in the model has extended beyond traditional trade and commercial buyers to those wanting a vehicle with additional space and a full electric powertrain, and that the PV5’s pricing makes it a competitive proposition against existing options in the market.

Powertrain and range

Power comes from a 120kW front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor producing 250Nm of torque, fed by a 71.2kWh NCM battery. The battery charges from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes, and delivers a WLTP range of 416km on a full charge.

Kia will also offer a 22kW charger as an option, aimed at businesses wanting to reduce charging times and preserve battery health over the vehicle’s working life. Vehicle-to-load capability is included, allowing the PV5 to run external electrical equipment such as tools or appliances directly from the vehicle’s battery — a feature likely to appeal to trade operators working away from mains power.

Cargo and dimensions

The Cargo variant offers 4420 litres of load space and a 690kg payload, enough to carry two Euro pallets. Overall dimensions are 4495mm long, 1895mm wide and 1899mm tall, on a 2995mm wheelbase.

Cabin technology and safety

Inside, the PV5 gets a 12.9-inch satellite navigation display, wireless phone charging, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, integrated through Kia Connect with over-the-air update capability. Standard safety equipment includes forward collision avoidance assist, lane keep assist, smart cruise control with stop-and-go, and blind spot collision avoidance assist.

Ownership

Kia is backing the PV5 with a seven-year manufacturer warranty and a two-year/30,000km service schedule, a total cost of ownership package the company says strengthens the case for fleet and business buyers.

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