Kia UK has expanded its electric commercial vehicle lineup with the introduction of the new PV5 Cargo L1/H1, a compact version of its award-winning electric van designed specifically for urban operations.
Alongside the new model, Kia has announced a series of model year 2027 (MY27) upgrades across the entire PV5 Cargo range, enhancing driver comfort, practicality, and value.
The latest additions further strengthen Kia’s Position Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy, which aims to deliver highly adaptable electric mobility solutions for businesses of all sizes.
New PV5 Cargo L1/H1 Targets Urban Fleets
Designed for city-based logistics, delivery services, and trade professionals, the new PV5 Cargo L1/H1 offers a more compact footprint while maintaining impressive cargo capacity.
The L1/H1 is 200mm shorter than the existing L2/H1 model and provides 4.0 cubic meters of cargo space. While that is slightly less than the L2/H1’s 4.4 cubic meters, the shorter wheelbase improves maneuverability in congested urban environments and tight parking areas.
Customers can choose between two battery options:
– Standard Range 51.5 kWh battery
– Long Range 71.2 kWh battery
The Long Range version delivers up to 243 miles (WLTP Combined) on a single charge, while the Standard Range model offers up to 177 miles.
Thanks to its smaller dimensions, the PV5 Cargo L1/H1 also benefits from a slightly higher payload capacity, reaching up to 800 kg in the Standard Range Essential three-door configuration.
At launch, the L1/H1 will be offered with a two-seat layout, with a three-seat version scheduled to arrive in early 2027.
MY27 Updates Improve Comfort and Practicality
Kia has introduced a number of enhancements across the PV5 Cargo range for the 2027 model year.
Driver comfort receives a significant boost with standard lumbar support and a height-adjustable armrest on two-seat models. A new composite bulkhead helps improve cabin refinement, while a redesigned short roof antenna reduces overall vehicle height to 1,899mm, allowing easier access to height-restricted parking facilities.
Key MY27 upgrades include:
– Standard driver lumbar support on all Cargo models
– Multi-position driver armrest on two-seat variants
– New composite bulkhead
– Walk Away Lock functionality
– Slimline roof antenna reducing overall height below 1.9 meters
– Choice of two-seat or three-seat layouts at no additional cost (initially on L2/H1 models)
In addition, three seats now become the standard configuration across the range, with a two-seat option available at no extra cost.
UK Pricing and Availability
Pricing for the new PV5 Cargo L1/H1 starts at £27,355 (+VAT) for the Essential grade equipped with the Standard Range 51.5 kWh battery.
All PV5 Cargo models qualify for the UK Government’s Zero-Emission Van Grant (ZEVG), reducing the on-the-road price by up to £5,000.
Additional options include:
– Premium Paint: £625 (+VAT)
– Four-door configuration with an additional sliding door: £355 (+VAT)
– Heat Pump (available exclusively on Plus Long Range models): £650 (+VAT)
Orders for the new L1/H1 and updated MY27 range open on June 8 through Kia’s UK PBV Centres. First customer deliveries are expected to begin in October.
Every PV5 is backed by Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, while the high-voltage battery is covered for eight years.
Award-Winning Electric Van
Although the PV5 only entered Kia PBV Centre showrooms in late 2025, it has already established itself as a major player in the UK commercial vehicle market.
The electric van has collected numerous industry awards, including the prestigious 2026 International Van of the Year title. It has also been recognized as Van of the Year by Electrifying.com, What Van?, Parkers, and The Sun.
Adding to its credentials, the PV5 Cargo holds the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the greatest distance traveled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van carrying its maximum payload on a single charge, covering 430.84 miles (693.38 km).
Kia’s Growing PBV Ecosystem
The PV5 represents the first major step in Kia’s broader PBV strategy, which combines electric powertrains, flexible vehicle architectures, and connected services into a single mobility ecosystem.
Kia plans to expand the PBV family further with the launch of the PV7 in 2027 and the larger PV9 in 2029. Together, these vehicles will support more than 40 different body configurations, allowing businesses to tailor vehicles to specific operational requirements.
With the addition of the compact PV5 Cargo L1/H1 and a range of practical MY27 enhancements, Kia continues to strengthen its position in the rapidly growing electric commercial vehicle segment, offering businesses greater flexibility, efficiency, and zero-emission capability.
