Kia’s entry into the electric commercial vehicle market reached a major milestone after its PV5 model secured the 2026 International Van of the Year award. 

The recognition came from a unanimous vote by 26 journalists from leading commercial vehicle publications around the world. Kia announced the win one day after the award was presented during the IVOTY Award Gala at the SOLUTRANS 2025 event in Lyon, France.

The award marked a historic first for the Korean brand. The PV5 became the first Korean model to take the title. It also became the first electric van from Asia to win the annual honor. 

The International Van of the Year award began in 1992 and is regarded as one of the most influential recognitions in the light commercial vehicle segment.

The jury evaluates each contender based on its ability to boost real-world productivity while advancing the segment. Assessments focus on technological innovation, operational efficiency, user safety, and environmental gains. 

According to the organizers, the PV5 rose above six other finalists. The panel credited the van’s capability, efficiency, and design, which aligned with the industry’s shift toward cleaner and more versatile transport solutions.

“Congratulations to Kia for winning the prestigious 34th International Van of the Year Award,” Jarlath Sweeney, chairman of the International Van of the Year jury, said. 

“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 leaders described the award as an important step in the company’s broader electric mobility plans. “Kia has long stood at the forefront of EV innovation, and the PV5 brings that leadership into the commercial vehicle space with purpose,” Ho Sung Song, president and ceo of Kia Corporation, said.

“Winning the prestigious International Van of the Year Award is a true honor and a strong endorsement from some of the most respected journalists in the LCV industry, especially as the first vehicles are just arriving in Europe,” Marc Hedrich, Kia Europe president, said.

The PV5 is the first model in Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle line. The van uses a dedicated electric platform called Electric Global Modular Platform for Service. The PV5 Cargo Long version offers a range of up to 416 kilometers under the WLTP standard. 

The Passenger five-seater variant delivers a range of up to 412 kilometers. The model supports DC fast charging from 10 percent to 80 percent in about 30 minutes. The van also offers a payload capacity of up to 790 kilograms.

Kia recently set a Guinness World Records title with the PV5. The model achieved the greatest distance traveled by a light-duty electric van with maximum payload on a single charge. Its recorded distance reached 693.38 kilometers.

Kia offers three battery options for the PV5. These include 43.3 kWh, 51.5 kWh, and 71.2 kWh packs. Modular exterior components aim to reduce downtime during repairs. Entry height, cargo area layout, and mounting points also support various business requirements.

Safety development began at the platform level. Kia used a multi-load-path body structure with expanded high-strength steel. The van carries EV-focused battery protection. Driver-assistance features include Surround View Monitoring and Lane Keeping Assist.

The PV5 is now available in Europe as a Cargo Long and Passenger five-seater. Kia plans to add more variants starting in 2026. These will include a Chassis Cab, Cargo Standard, and High Roof version. The future PBV lineup will also include larger models known as the PV7 and PV9.