Kia’s PV5 wins the 2026 International Van of the Year
20 November, 2025
Press release: 20 November 2025
- A debut and a win: Kia’s first fully electric van, the PV5, claims the industry’s most prestigious LCV award
- Unanimously chosen by 26 leading commercial vehicle journalists worldwide
- Asia’s first electric van and the first Korean model to win the International Van of the Year
- Recognized for its technological innovation, operational efficiency, advanced safety and strong environmental performance
- The PV5 Cargo Long has also proven its real-world usability, holding a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the longest distance travelled by an electric van with full payload on a single charge
– Kia Corporation today announced that its all-electric PV5 has been named the ‘2026 International Van of the Year’ (IVOTY), marking a historic first for both the brand and a Korean manufacturer. The award was presented on November 19 at the IVOTY Award Gala during SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyon, France, following a unanimous decision by 26 leading commercial vehicle journalists from around the world.
Established in 1992, IVOTY is recognized as the most authoritative global award in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector. Winners are selected through a comprehensive assessment of how each model contributes to improving real-world productivity and advancing the LCV segment. Criteria include technological innovation, operational efficiency, safety and environmental performance.
The Kia PV5 delivered standout performance, emerging ahead of six other contenders. It also breaks new ground as Asia’s first electric van and the first Korean model to receive this honor, making Kia only the second Asian brand to achieve this distinction in the competition’s 34-year history.
“Congratulations to Kia for winning the prestigious 34th International Van of the Year Award,” said Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the International Van of the Year jury. “The all-electric Kia PV5 sets a new benchmark for innovation, efficiency, and all-round capability in the light commercial vehicle segment. It combines zero-emission performance with versatility and practicality, redefining what businesses can expect from a modern van. Kia has long been celebrated for its award-winning cars, and now, its van division is making an equally powerful impact on the industry.”
An electric van that gets the job done
The PV5 is Kia’s first eLCV and the inaugural model in its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) line-up. Built on a dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), the PV5 offers an all-electric range (WLTP) of up to 416 km for Cargo Long and 412 km for Passenger 5-seater. It also delivers DC fast charging from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 30 minutes, and a payload capacity of up to 790 kg. The PV5 has also earned a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for “the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge”, achieving 693.38 km.
For the full press release visit www.kia.co.nz
