Kia has announced UK pricing and specifications for the 2027 PV5 Chassis, expanding its electric commercial vehicle range with a new platform designed for specialist business conversions. Available with Tipper and Dropside bodies developed by TGS Automotive, the new electric chassis cab targets businesses looking for a versatile, zero-emission work vehicle.
The Kia PV5 Chassis MY27 starts at £30,605 (+VAT) as an incomplete vehicle. It comes exclusively with Kia’s Long Range battery and Plus specification, while completed Tipper and Dropside versions will start at £37,600 and £36,600 (+VAT), respectively.
The new model joins the PV5 Cargo and Passenger variants as part of Kia’s expanding Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy, offering fleet operators and commercial customers another option for moving away from diesel-powered vans.
Kia PV5 Chassis MY27: Price and UK Availability
The PV5 Chassis is designed as a conversion-ready electric vehicle, providing a factory-built foundation that can be adapted for different commercial applications.
UK customers will be offered one configuration, combining the 71.2kWh Long Range battery with Kia’s Plus equipment grade.
The pricing structure is as follows:
| Kia PV5 Chassis version | Starting price (+VAT) |
| PV5 Chassis (incomplete) | £30,605 |
| PV5 Dropside by TGS | £36,600 |
| PV5 Tipper by TGS | £37,600 |
The incomplete PV5 Chassis is expected to qualify for the maximum £5,000 UK Zero Emission Van Grant once fitted with a completed body, potentially reducing the overall purchase cost for eligible businesses.
First customer deliveries of the incomplete PV5 Chassis are expected in the first quarter of 2027. The vehicle will be available to order exclusively through Kia’s growing network of dedicated PBV Centres across the UK.
71.2kWh Battery and 120kW Electric Motor
Every UK-specification Kia PV5 Chassis comes equipped with a 71.2kWh lithium-ion battery powering a front-mounted electric motor.
The electric powertrain produces 120kW (161hp) and 250Nm of torque, with power delivered through a single-speed automatic transmission.
Performance figures include a maximum speed of 84mph and acceleration from 0 to 62mph in 12.4 seconds.
Charging performance is also designed to accommodate commercial operating schedules. When connected to a 150kW DC rapid charger, the battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
For overnight charging, a full 10% to 100% recharge takes approximately six hours and 30 minutes using an 11kW AC charger. A 7kW AC connection increases that time to around 10 hours.
Kia has not provided an official WLTP range figure for the converted PV5 Chassis. However, the PV5 Cargo L2/H1, which uses the same 71.2kWh battery, offers up to 258 miles of WLTP combined range.
This provides a useful reference point, although the final driving range of the Chassis will depend on the body conversion, payload, additional equipment, driving conditions and route.
For businesses, the larger battery is intended to provide greater flexibility for daily operations, particularly when vehicles need to cover longer routes or operate throughout the working day.
Compact Dimensions and Practical Payload
One of the main advantages of the Kia PV5 Chassis is its relatively compact footprint, which makes it suitable for businesses operating in urban environments and locations with limited manoeuvring space.
The unbodied vehicle measures 4,610mm in length, 1,895mm in width (excluding mirrors) and 1,935mm in height. Its wheelbase measures 2,995mm, while the turning radius is just 5.5 metres.
These dimensions should make the electric chassis easier to operate in city streets, commercial depots, construction sites and other restricted working environments.
The incomplete PV5 Chassis has a gross vehicle weight of 2,650kg and offers a maximum payload of up to 885kg, including a 75kg allowance for the driver.
However, the final payload will vary depending on the selected conversion and the weight of any additional equipment installed.
Underneath, the PV5 Chassis uses Kia’s dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S) architecture. The platform has been developed specifically for the company’s PBV vehicles and is designed to accommodate different body styles and business applications.
Generous Standard Equipment in Plus Specification
Kia will offer the PV5 Chassis exclusively in Plus specification, meaning commercial customers will receive a comprehensive equipment package without needing to select a higher trim level.
Exterior equipment includes 16-inch steel wheels with full-size covers, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights. Electrically adjustable, heated and folding door mirrors are also standard, alongside automatic headlights and rain-sensing front wipers.
Inside, the two-seat cabin features cloth upholstery, heated front seats, driver and passenger seat-height adjustment, driver lumbar support and a multi-position driver’s armrest. A heated steering wheel and automatic climate control are also included.
Additional convenience features include smart entry, a push-button start system and storage compartments beneath both front seats.
The dashboard features a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system, paired with a 7.5-inch digital driver display.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity and wireless smartphone charging are included. The cabin also features two USB-C charging ports, over-the-air functionality and seven years of Kia Connect services.
Another useful feature for commercial operators is Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology. A three-pin power socket in the cabin allows compatible electrical equipment and devices to draw power from the vehicle’s high-voltage battery.
This could be particularly useful for tradespeople and mobile businesses that need access to electricity while working away from fixed power supplies.
Safety and Driver Assistance Technology
Despite being supplied as an incomplete commercial vehicle, the Kia PV5 Chassis includes a substantial collection of safety and driver-assistance technologies.
Standard equipment includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, with detection functionality for vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, as well as junction-turning assistance.
Other systems include Highway Driving Assist, Lane Following Assist 2, Lane Keep Assist and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.
The vehicle also comes with front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, which should help drivers manoeuvre in crowded depots and restricted loading areas.
Additional features include a tyre-pressure monitoring system, regenerative braking paddle shifters and three selectable driving modes: Eco, Normal and Snow.
TGS Automotive to Supply PV5 Tipper and Dropside Conversions
One of the most significant aspects of the PV5 Chassis launch is the involvement of TGS Automotive Group, which will develop several conversion options for the electric platform.
Announced at the Commercial Vehicle Show as one of the first five Kia-approved PBV Conversion Partners, TGS Automotive plans to offer Lightweight Tipper, Dropside and Box conversions.
Customers will also be able to choose from modular equipment options, including Mesh Cage systems, Fall Arrest Systems, Chapter 8 markings and warning beacons.
The first two confirmed conversions are the Dropside and Tipper, which provide different solutions for businesses involved in construction, landscaping, maintenance and material transportation.
The Kia PV5 Dropside by TGS offers a maximum payload of up to 633kg and starts at £36,600 (+VAT).
The Kia PV5 Tipper by TGS has a maximum payload of up to 561kg and starts at £37,600 (+VAT).
Both converted vehicles measure 4,825mm long, 2,310mm wide and 1,870mm high. They retain the standard Chassis model’s 2,995mm wheelbase and 5.5-metre turning radius.
The conversions give businesses access to electric alternatives to traditional diesel Dropside and Tipper vehicles, particularly for operations where low local emissions and reduced reliance on fossil fuels are becoming increasingly important.
Exterior Colours and Optional Equipment
Kia will keep the colour selection relatively straightforward for the PV5 Chassis.
Clear White is the standard exterior colour, while Midnight Black and Steel Grey are available as premium paint options, each costing an additional £625 (+VAT).
An optional heat pump is also available for £650 (+VAT). All UK models feature a Dark Blue interior.
Kia PV5 Chassis Warranty
Like the other vehicles in the PV5 family, the Chassis benefits from Kia’s seven-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty.
The high-voltage battery receives separate warranty coverage for eight years, providing additional reassurance for businesses investing in an electric commercial vehicle.
With its dedicated electric platform, conversion flexibility and comprehensive standard equipment, the PV5 Chassis is intended to support a wide range of professional applications.
