Kia PV7 Electric Van Spotted in Road Tests, Size Rivals Ford Transit

Kia’s first mass-produced electric van, the PV5, launched in 2025 and quickly gained traction in Europe’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) EV segment—accounting for 9% of Q1 2026 sales. Building on this momentum, Kia is accelerating the rollout of its PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) product family. The larger PV7 electric van has now officially entered public road testing and is scheduled for production launch in 2027.

Size Matches Transit, Interior Space Stands Out

Recent road-test footage reveals that although the PV7 prototype is wrapped in camouflage, its overall silhouette is clearly discernible: length, width, and height all significantly exceed those of the PV5. Based on data from the PV7 concept unveiled at CES 2024, its dimensions are 5,270 mm long, 2,065 mm wide, and 2,120 mm tall, with a wheelbase of 3,390 mm—compared to the PV5 passenger version’s 4,695 mm × 1,915 mm × 1,915 mm and 2,995 mm wheelbase. This places the PV7 squarely in the same size class as the standard 2026 Ford New Transit, especially excelling in wheelbase and longitudinal interior volume.

Refined Design Details, Flexible Charging Layout

The test mule shows functional upgrades over the PV5: the charging port is positioned in the front grille area, with an additional port reserved on the passenger side—enhancing refueling convenience across diverse use cases. The rear bumper shape and tail lamp design also differ distinctly from the PV5. Wider track width and a wheelbase spanning an entire speed bump further confirm its dual-purpose focus—optimized for both cargo capacity and passenger comfort. Kia officially confirms the PV7 will offer “the largest interior space in the PBV lineup,” though exact cargo volume or seating configurations remain unannounced.

Powertrain Builds on Modular Strategy; Range TBA

The powertrain is expected to follow the proven PV5 architecture: European-market PV5 passenger variants offer two battery options—51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh—with WLTP ranges of 183 miles (~295 km) and 256 miles (~412 km), respectively. While PV7-specific motor and battery specs have not yet been disclosed, it will likely adopt a multi-tier battery strategy to meet commercial customers’ varying needs for range and cost efficiency.

Clear Product Roadmap, PBV Strategy Gains Speed

The PV7 is just the beginning. Kia has already outlined its future PBV lineup: following the 2027 PV7 launch, the even larger PV9 is slated for 2029. With the PV7 prototype now undergoing real-world validation, more engineering details, equipment specifications, and regional launch plans are expected to be revealed in the coming months.