Kia PV5 Electric Van Secures Five-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating
Kia

Kia PV5 Electric Van Secures Five-Star Euro NCAP Safety Rating

What if a purpose-built electric delivery van could achieve the highest safety standards while offering modular configurations for commercial fleets in restricted urban areas? Kia Corporation’s PV5 passenger van variant has earned a full five-star rating in the 2025 Euro NCAP crash tests. This marks the first dedicated electric light commercial vehicle to receive the top score under the updated protocol. The rating applies to the platform shared across PV5 cargo and people-mover models.

The PV5 incorporates a steel-intensive body structure with extensive high-strength reinforcements in critical zones. Frontal impact protection benefits from multiple load paths distributing forces away from the occupant compartment. Side barrier and pole tests highlight robust door reinforcements and curtain airbags covering all rows. The battery pack integrates into the floor without intruding into cabin space during deformation.

Standard safety equipment includes forward collision avoidance with pedestrian and cyclist detection. Lane-keeping assist operates across a wide speed range, complemented by intelligent speed limit assistance. Driver attention monitoring uses interior cameras to detect fatigue or distraction. Emergency stop signal activates hazard lights during hard braking to warn following traffic.

Adult occupant protection scored 89 percent, reflecting effective restraint systems and stable cabin integrity. Child occupant ratings reached 87 percent with compatible restraint installations and clear i-Size markings. Vulnerable road user protection achieved 76 percent through active bonnet deployment and autonomous emergency braking performance. Safety assist technologies earned 85 percent for comprehensive functionality.

The PV5 utilizes Kia’s Electric Global Modular Platform scaled for commercial applications. Battery options include 60 kilowatt-hours and 84 kilowatt-hours for ranges up to 261 miles under WLTP testing. Dual electric motors in all-wheel-drive configurations deliver 218 horsepower continuously with boosts to 320 horsepower. Vehicle-to-load capability supplies up to 3.6 kilowatts for external equipment.

Modular design allows interchangeable upper bodies on the same chassis. Passenger versions seat up to nine occupants with flexible rail-mounted seating. Cargo variants offer flat floors and wide sliding doors for easy loading. Production occurs at Kia’s dedicated electric commercial vehicle facility in South Korea.

This achievement positions the PV5 against established internal combustion vans in fleet tenders requiring proven safety credentials. Euro NCAP’s commercial vehicle protocol emphasizes real-world delivery scenarios including urban cycling interactions. The five-star result validates Kia’s engineering focus on battery protection and structural integrity.

Global launches commence in Europe during the first half of 2026. United States availability follows with adaptations for federal safety standards. Fleet operators gain access to bidirectional charging for peak-shifting energy management. Over-the-air updates enable continuous refinement of assistance systems.

Kia’s expansion into purpose-built electrics targets the growing last-mile delivery segment. The PV5 integrates fleet management telematics for route optimization and maintenance scheduling. Such capabilities support total cost of ownership reductions compared to diesel equivalents. The safety rating reinforces electric vans as viable replacements in safety-conscious markets.

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