PV5 touches down
Kia is expanding its EV line-up with the PV5 Passenger, a fully electric seven-seat van designed to deliver space, versatility and comfort.
Available from $71,990 plus on-road costs, it brings a “fresh approach” to people-moving by combining the practicality of a spacious passenger vehicle with the benefits of all-electric driving and smart technologies.
Todd McDonald, Kia NZ’s managing director, believes the PV5 Passenger, pictured, creates new possibilities for customers looking for an EV that can adapt to a wide range of needs.
“It is a significant addition to our EV line-up, offering New Zealanders a genuinely versatile seven-seat option that puts functionality, comfort and technology at the forefront.
“Kia offers New Zealand’s largest fully electric-vehicle range of six different models and numerous variations, demonstrating the marque’s dominance in this sector. The arrival of the PV5 Passenger extends that choice into a segment where we already have a proven track record.
“For more than two decades, the Carnival has been one of New Zealand’s most trusted people movers. We evolved the Carnival from diesel to hybrid to better reflect changing customer expectations.
“Now the addition of the fully electric PV5 Passenger allows us to offer an even broader range of solutions for families and businesses.
“Not every customer has the same needs and that’s exactly what makes this range so compelling. Whether it’s hybrid through the Carnival or fully electric through the PV5, we’re giving New Zealanders the flexibility to choose the powertrain and ownership experience that works best for them.”
Over the past 21 years, about one-in-three MPVs sold here has been the Carnival, while the model has been the country’s best-selling MPV for the past five consecutive years.
Having evolved the Carnival from a traditional diesel offering to today’s hybrid powertrain, Kia is continuing that journey with the fully electric PV5 Passenger.
The result is a people-moving line-up that spans hybrid and fully electric powertrains, providing customers with greater choice while retaining the practicality, flexibility and passenger space that have made “Kia a trusted option for larger families, shuttle operators and group transport providers”.
With seating for up to seven, the PV5 Passenger offers the flexibility to accommodate larger families, groups and luggage. Its passenger-focused cabin is designed around space, accessibility and comfort, making it suitable for everything from daily commuting to longer journeys.
Like the recently announced PV5 Cargo, the Passenger variant is powered by a 71.2kWh battery paired with a 120kW electric motor. An 11kW onboard charger comes as standard, upgradeable to 22kW, to support AC charging at home, work or public locations.
The PV5’s fully electric powertrain provides quiet, smooth driving, while its practical design makes it an alternative for customers ready to transition to electric mobility “without compromising on passenger capacity”.
Adding to its everyday usefulness is vehicle to load (V2L) capability, which allows compatible electrical devices to be powered using the MPV’s battery. From charging equipment to powering accessories at a campsite or outdoor event, V2L extends the PV5’s usefulness beyond the road.
Building on Kia’s existing vehicle-to-grid capability already in trial for the EV9 in New Zealand, the technology has the potential to allow vehicles to draw power from and return energy to the grid when required, enhancing the role EVs can play with household and energy ecosystems.
While still under evaluation for the PV5, Kia says the investigation reflects its “ongoing commitment to developing innovative electrification technologies that deliver greater flexibility and value for customers”.
The marque’s focus on driver assistance and occupant protection is complemented by six-year Kia Connect, which provide services designed to make vehicle ownership more convenient. Connected features can support remote functions, status checks and access to useful information through a compatible smartphone.
“Customers increasingly expect their vehicles to do more than simply get them from A to B,” says McDonald. “With its seven-seat configuration, V2L functionality, connected technology and emphasis on comfort and safety, the PV5 Passenger offers a practical, forward-looking solution for drivers.”
Earlier this year, the PV5 was named International Van of the Year 2026 and was crowned best large car of the year by UK Autocar at its awards in June.
Looking ahead, Kia’s purpose-built range will expand with the arrival of the larger PV7 in late 2027, introducing a nine-seat option for customers requiring greater passenger carrying capability.
