Kia has made history in the commercial vehicle class: the all-electric Kia PV5 achieved a staggering range of 693.38 kilometres with a full load and a single charge, breaking the Guinness World Records world record for an all-electric van.

Kia has made a significant advancement in the commercial vehicle sector by achieving a Guinness World Record with its all-electric Kia PV5, which accomplished an impressive range of 693.38 kilometres under a full load and a single charge, establishing a new benchmark for all-electric vans.

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FIND US ON

The record was set with the PV5 Cargo Long Range model, equipped with a 71.2 kWh battery and a 665-kilogram payload, effectively demonstrating the vehicle’s energy efficiency and durability in real-world scenarios. The route, located north of Frankfurt, Germany, incorporated urban settings, traffic signals, and elevation changes—elements that delivery trucks typically encounter during regular operations.

During the test, the PV5 successfully completed the route 11 times before concluding after twelve laps. The total duration of the performance was 22 hours and 30 minutes, with the vehicle’s battery remaining sealed throughout the entire process under the supervision of TÜV Hessen and Buck Vermessung.

Marc Hedrich, Managing Director of Kia Europe, remarked on the achievement, stating, “Although Kia is a newcomer in the commercial vehicle market, this record reflects the adaptability and innovation inherent in Kia’s first commercial vehicle. Many customers can operate for two working days on a single charge, which underscores the practicality of the PV5.”

Two professionals were instrumental in this record-breaking endeavour. George Barrow, a British commercial vehicle journalist and member of the World Van of the Year jury, and Christopher Nigermeier, a technical engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe and a member of the PV5 research and development team, alternately drove during the test. Barrow characterised the journey as “demanding but unforgettable,” expressing genuine surprise at the PV5’s range: “Achieving over 430 miles with a full load is noteworthy.” Nigermeier acknowledged the performance as “both a technical and a personal challenge” but praised the vehicle: “In the end, the PV5 impressed both of us.”

The PV5 represents the inaugural model in Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) family and is constructed on the new Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP). This platform facilitates a modular “building block” concept, enabling modifications across various versions based on the same core technology for diverse applications. The PV5 Cargo provides up to 4.4 cubic meters of cargo space (L2H1) and a maximum payload of 790 kilograms, depending on the model version. Additionally, the battery options include 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh, with a 43.3 kWh variant scheduled to be introduced next year.

This record-setting achievement underscores Kia’s commitment to developing more energy-efficient, practical, and sustainable commercial vehicles.

The record-breaking Kia PV5 will next be on display at the SoluTrans 2025 exhibition in Lyon, France, from November 18, in Hall 5 on stand C130.

Facts:

Kia PV5 Cargo Long Range

Battery: 71.2 kWh

Payload: 665 kg

Test weight: 2,652 kg (confirmed by TÜV Hessen)

Range: 693.38 km on a single charge

Driving time: 22 h 30 min

Route: 58.2 km of urban and road sections / round trip

Guinness World Records was founded in 1955 and is known as an international authority on documenting world records. Today, it operates in more than 100 countries and collaborates with companies and brands to leverage records in marketing communications.