Heading
Close X
Menu
The Kia PV5 Cargo has taken top honours at the 2026 What Van? Awards, winning both ‘Van of the Year’ and ‘Compact Van of the Year’.
Hosted at the London Hilton Bankside, the What Van? Awards celebrate excellence across the light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector. Winners are chosen by an independent panel of industry experts from across the UK.
The PV5 Cargo impressed judges with its sophisticated design, exceptional single-charge range, and outstanding driving characteristics. Comfort, precise steering, cabin refinement, and overall drivability were all highlighted as standout qualities. In addition, the PV5 Cargo earned a perfect 10/10 score in a separate What Van? review—the only electric LCV to achieve this rating so far in 2026—cementing its position as a class leader.
James Dallas, Editor of What Van?, commented:
“The Kia PV5 Cargo is a well-researched and meticulously developed electric van that has immediately gone to the top of its class with its sophisticated, versatile design coupled with outstanding battery range.”
Paul Philpott, President & CEO of Kia UK, added:
“Winning ‘Van of the Year’ is a tremendous endorsement for the PV5, arriving just as the first units reach UK customers. PV5 sets new benchmarks for the industry with its flexible platform, advanced electrified powertrain, and exceptional value. Our new PBV dealer network will showcase its strengths as we lead the charge in LCV electrification.”
From winning ‘One to Watch’ at the 2025 What Van? Awards to claiming ‘Van of the Year’ in 2026, the PV5’s rapid rise has been remarkable. These latest accolades join an impressive list, including:
Initially offered in L2/H1 configuration, the PV5 Cargo provides two battery options:
Future variants—including L1/H1, L2/H2, Chassis Cab, and Crew models—will join the line-up in 2026.
In October 2025, the PV5 Cargo entered the Guinness World Records™, achieving the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty electric van with maximum payload on a single charge—an incredible 430.84 miles (693.38km).
Backed by Kia’s industry-leading warranty (7 years/100,000 miles, or 8 years/100,000 miles for the battery), the PV5 Cargo offers fleets and operators a practical, efficient, and reliable electric solution.
The Kia PV5 Cargo and Passenger are available to order now through Kia’s dedicated PBV Centre network, with first deliveries expected before year-end. Looking ahead, Kia plans to expand its PBV range with the larger PV7 in 2027 and PV9 in 2029.