First Look at PV7, Kia’s Bigger Electric Van That Arrives Built for Pallets, People, and Pop-Tops

Kia rolled out the PV7 this week at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hannover as the second all-electric model in its Platform Beyond Vehicle family, a step up from the smaller PV5 that went on sale last year. This one targets the midsize light-commercial segment that fleets actually live in, with a blunt one-box shape, short overhangs, a visor-like dark band wrapping the windshield, thin daytime running lights that climb the A-pillars, and chunky wheel arches that give the sides more presence than a typical delivery box. Passenger and Cargo versions share the same Long shell for now, with Compact, high-roof, chassis-cab, and conversion bodies promised later as Kia works toward 23 variants.

The Long PV7 is about two feet longer than the PV5, measuring 5,350mm in length, 1,995mm in width, and 1,990mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3,500mm. It falls just shy of being a long-wheelbase Ford Transit Custom or Volkswagen Transporter. A specialized skateboard for the E-GMP.S powertrain keeps the floor flat from bulkhead to tail, lowering the Cargo Long’s loading height to 550mm and allowing three Euro pallets to be easily slipped in. The standard roof Cargo model carries 6.1 cubic meters, while the High Roof version holds a spacious 8.0 cubic meters. The payload is a reasonable 1,165 kilos on the Long model and 1,200 kilograms on the Compact, with D-ring tie-downs and an option of lift-up or twin-swing tailgates for easy maneuvering around tight alleys.

The floor houses two nickel-cobalt-manganese battery packs, one with a capacity of 71.5k.Wh capacity is tailored at shorter journeys, while the Long Range Cargo’s 96.2kWh pack is quoted as good for over 460km (286 miles) on the WLTP cycle, though official homologation is still waiting. The front motor can generate up to 200kW and 420 newton-metres, which are transmitted to the front wheels during launch; a twin motor all-wheel-drive system is planned for later. In addition to this, the 800-volt system represents a significant departure from the PV5’s 400-volt configuration. When connected to a 350kW DC charger, the pack can charge from 10 to 80 percent in roughly 20 minutes. There are dual ports as standard, a front AC/DC intake, and an optional rear-side AC port, allowing you to connect in regardless of how your bay is laid out. Vehicle-to-load outlets allow you to power equipment or even a campground refrigerator without having to bring out a generator.

In terms of passenger layouts, you start with the 7-seat option, which includes rail-mounted Easy Remove chairs that fold or may be taken out completely, and then progress to 9 seats in most markets or 11 seats in Korea. Behind the wheel, you’ll find a lovely sleek digital cluster paired with a 12.9 or 14.6-inch screen running the Pleos Connect system on Android Automotive, with Gleo voice control for all the essentials like navigation, climate, and messages. You still have physical climate controls, and there’s a fold-down console table that serves as a convenient work area when needed. If you opt for a cargo cab, you can choose between a 2- or 3-seater, and the dedicated heavy-load drive mode improves response when the floor is stacked, but for fleet managers, Kia also offers a Business Solutions portal and Uptime monitoring, which provides information on charging, maintenance, and predictive alerts.

The PV5 has already shown to be a good foundation for camper builders, but the PV7 raises the bar with an extra length and around 10cm more breadth, which translates into a lot more kitchen space, a wider bed, and a little more breathing space. Sussex Campervans has already begun sketching out ideas for its PV7 ‘Kingfisher’ layout, which will include a pop top roof, a side kitchen, induction hobs, and even space for four people to sleep below. Kia has been welcoming conversion specialists this year, and it is depending on that network, as well as its industry-leading guarantee, to avoid all of the extra labor from becoming a nightmare. If the mid-size van sells well, the club is considering a larger PV9 for 2029.

Sales are expected to begin in South Korea and Europe in the second half of 2027, from the same Hwaseong factory that currently makes the PV5. Expect additional markets and body types to follow. We’ve already seen some prototypes being tested on US roads, but Kia hasn’t said when or how much it will cost. For the time being, the PV7 is a serious work van with adequate range, charge speed, and a level floor to make it a viable option for fleets, shuttle operators, and anyone looking for an electric van that can transport three pallets on Monday and sleep four by Friday.