.jpg&w=1080&q=75)
.jpg&w=1920&q=75)
.jpg&w=2048&q=75)
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Future Technology
Kia unveils "Platform Beyond Vehicle"
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Kia unveiled its strategy for the new commercial vehicle platform called "Platform Beyond Vehicle," abbreviated as PBV, which also stands for "Purpose Built Vehicle." This platform is primarily aimed at companies in the logistics and passenger transport sectors.
The new platform aims to enable flexible vehicle design tailored to various usage requirements and leverages advanced technologies such as robotics and autonomous driving.
At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Kia unveiled its strategy for the new commercial vehicle platform called "Platform Beyond Vehicle," abbreviated as PBV, which also stands for "Purpose Built Vehicle." This platform is primarily aimed at companies in the logistics and passenger transport sectors.
The new platform aims to enable flexible vehicle design tailored to various usage requirements and leverages advanced technologies such as robotics and autonomous driving.
The new platform enables flexible vehicle design
The new platform aims to offer versatile vehicle designs tailored to diverse usage needs, incorporating cutting-edge technologies like robotics and autonomous driving. Kia envisions PBV as a comprehensive mobility solution that combines purpose-built electric vehicles with advanced software solutions. Through the "Easy-Swap" technology, users can adapt the vehicle chassis to various requirements, allowing different configurations to be connected to the vehicle using electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology, just behind the driver's cabin. Initially, Kia envisions the PBV series as commercial vehicles.
In this regard, the company has announced five different electrically powered commercial vehicles and has already established initial partnerships with companies such as Uber, the Dubai Taxi Company, and the German courier service provider DHL.
Three-phase strategy by Kia
In the initial phase starting from 2025, Kia plans to introduce an electric vehicle optimized for various services like ride-hailing, delivery, and utility services. At the heart of this effort is the Kia PV5 concept, set to go into production in 2025, available in three different variants.
The first version of the PV5 is tailored for passenger transport and measures around 4.7 meters in length, operating on a 400-volt system. Additionally, there's a pickup truck in the works, though it won't enter production. Kia also intends to develop a robotaxi variant of the PV5, known as the PV5-R, expected to launch around 2028.
Moving into the second phase, from 2027, these vehicles are set to evolve into AI-based mobility platforms. During this period, the PV7 will become available, offering varying lengths between five to nine meters, an 800-volt system, and the longest range capabilities.
The third phase, beginning in 2032, aims to make PBVs fully customizable according to customer preferences. Kia also plans to introduce the PV1, a compact van designed for urban delivery purposes, with autonomous driving capabilities by 2032.