The new Kia PV5, the South Korean brand’s all-electric utility vehicle, recently made history by being named the 2026 International Utility Vehicle of the Year (IVOTY). It’s a resounding victory and an absolute first for Kia, marking only the second time an Asian manufacturer has achieved this prestigious distinction in the 34-year history of the competition.
The unanimous choice of the jury, made up of 26 leading commercial vehicle journalists from around the world, underlines the rapid impact and innovation brought by the PV5 in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment.
The PV5 is not just an electric utility vehicle; it is the model that inaugurates Kia’s global PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) strategy. Built on the dedicated E-GMP.S (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service) architecture, the vehicle stands out with:
Unprecedented Modularity: The design allows for quick and easy change of body styles (Cargo, Passenger, Chassis Cab, Crew Van, etc.), adapting to the specific needs of each fleet operator.
Remarkable Efficiency: 100% electric range reaches up to 416 kilometers (WLTP) for the Cargo Long variant, with a fast charging capacity from 10% to 80% in approximately 30 minutes at DC stations of up to 150 kW.
Guinness World Record: The ultimate proof of its efficiency came even before the award: the PV5 Cargo Long version set a Guinness World Record for the longest distance traveled by an electric utility vehicle at maximum payload on a single charge, achieving a performance of 693.38 kilometers.
This combination of performance, versatility and zero emissions was exactly what the IVOTY jury was looking for, redefining companies' expectations of a modern commercial vehicle.
For the Romanian market, interest in an innovative electric commercial vehicle like the Kia PV5 is particularly high, given the sustainability goals and the rapid development of the urban delivery sector.
Availability in Romania: According to launch announcements in European markets, the Kia PV5 is expected to be available in Europe starting in the second half of 2025. Therefore, the official launch and first deliveries in Romania are estimated to take place most likely starting in late 2025 or in the first quarter of 2026.
Estimated Price: Although final prices for the Romanian market are not yet published, some European reference prices provide a solid estimate.
Base prices in Europe (e.g. Ireland) are already announced for the Cargo version at around €41,700 and for the Passenger version at €42,550 (prices before subsidies).
Romania Price Estimate (excluding VAT and subsidies): Considering the VAT applied to commercial vehicles and tax differences, a starting price for the Cargo version can be estimated at approximately €40,000 – €42,000 (excluding VAT).
These prices will, of course, be influenced by the specific equipment and possible government subsidies offered through programs such as Rabla Plus, which could significantly reduce the purchase cost, making the PV5 an extremely competitive option on the Romanian electric vehicle market.
The Kia PV5 not only won an award, it ushered in a new era in commercial transportation, laying the foundation for an entire family of PBV vehicles that promise unparalleled flexibility and efficiency.