Kia Corporation has presented its vision for expanding electrified mobility through its Purpose-Built Vehicle (PBV) lineup at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show. Held at BEXCO from June 26 to July 5, the brand's exhibition highlights its complete passenger EV portfolio, the Vision Meta Turismo concept, and three new derivatives of the PV5 platform alongside specialized industry collaboration models.
During the press day conference, Kia CEO Ho-sung Song outlined the brand's rapid electrification progress and mid-term strategy.
"Beginning with the EV6 launch in 2021 and continuing through to the EV2 early this year, Kia has established a six-model passenger EV lineup to drive mass adoption," Song stated. "We are proactively addressing shifts in the future mobility landscape, centering our development on autonomous driving, Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs), and robotics."
Song added that Kia plans to expand its global electric vehicle lineup to 14 models by 2030, a figure that includes three dedicated PBV model lines, supporting the brand's objective to secure a tier-one position in the global EV market.
Expanding the PV5 Lineup: Three New Targeted Derivatives
Kia introduced three new variants of its mid-size PV5 platform tailored for specific commercial and private use cases: the Passenger 7-Seater, the Prime premium conversion, and the Cargo High Roof.
PV5 Passenger 7-Seater
Designed to serve multi-passenger transport sectors such as family use, car rentals, and corporate shuttles, this variant features a distinct 2-2-3 seating configuration. By offsetting the second-row seats, engineers improved ingress and egress to the third row. Additional interior features include a dedicated rear climate control system, heated rear seats, and multiple USB Type-C charging ports.
PV5 Prime
Positioned as a premium mobility solution, the Prime is a conversion model built on the passenger platform. It features independent rear captain's chairs integrated into a floor-rail system, complete with ventilated seating functions. The exterior is distinguished by exclusive color options—including Moonscape Matte Gray and Snow White Pearl—alongside a black front skid plate, unique alloy wheels, and specialized exterior badging.
PV5 Cargo High Roof
Developed to meet growing demand in the e-commerce logistics sector, the High Roof variant increases internal cargo height by 295 mm compared to the standard PV5 Cargo Long model. It introduces an optional walk-through cabin configuration, allowing operators to move freely between the driver's seat and the rear workspace, significantly improving efficiency for high-volume delivery routes.
Kia confirmed it will continue to diversify the PV5 ecosystem with upcoming variants, including a Passenger 5-Seater optimized for taxi and ride-hailing services, dedicated box vans for small business operators, and specialized lifestyle models geared toward outdoor recreation.
Specialized B2B Industry Collaboration Models
Demonstrating the architectural flexibility of its flexible skateboard platform, Kia showcased several operational concepts co-developed with major institutional clients and specialist conversion partners.
AI Patrol Car: Developed in partnership with the Korean National Police Agency, this concept uses a PV5 Passenger 5-Seater base. It integrates three 4K resolution AI cameras and a roof-mounted automated drone station to coordinate ground and aerial surveillance. Internal and rear-facing monitors display real-time tactical telemetry.
Mobile Pet Pop-up Store: Created alongside pet supply platform Fitpet and conversion specialist K-Van, this variant features an open-side body architecture. It utilizes modular racking and internal storage solutions to serve as a mobile retail or veterinary outreach unit.
Mobile Bank: A joint development with KC Motors based on the PV5 Cargo High Roof. The extended vertical clearance enables operators to stand upright inside the vehicle, which functions as a mobile financial office. It is equipped with a rotating workstation desk and secondary heavy-duty auxiliary batteries to power onboard electronic banking systems off-grid.
Motorcycle Transporter: Built in collaboration with specialist outfit Voga and showcased with Ducati Korea, this logistics vehicle is engineered for racing teams and premium transport needs. The interior features specialized floor rails and wheel-locking chocks designed to secure motorcycles safely during transit.
School Bus and Promotional Units: Additional concepts include a specialized nursery school transport vehicle engineered with school bus expert Ibus, and a chassis-cab-based ice cream promotional truck developed alongside conversion specialist Primo.
These partner-developed commercial solutions are scheduled to transition into production, launching sequentially under the respective conversion brands from the second half of this year.
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