Kia has expanded its electric commercial vehicle lineup in the UK with the introduction of the 2027 PV5 Cargo L2/H2, a new high-roof version designed to offer more cargo space, greater loading flexibility and practical features for businesses and fleet operators.
The latest addition completes Kia’s planned PV5 Cargo range in the UK, joining the existing L1/H1 and L2/H1 versions. With a larger 5.2 cubic metre cargo area, a maximum payload of 630kg and the ability to tow up to 1,500kg, the new variant targets businesses that need additional carrying capacity without moving to a significantly larger commercial vehicle.
UK prices start at £32,355 excluding VAT for the entry-level Essential model. Every version comes with Kia’s larger 71.2kWh Long Range battery, delivering a claimed WLTP combined driving range of up to 239 miles.
Kia PV5 Cargo L2/H2 Offers 5.2m³ of Cargo Space
The biggest selling point of the new Kia PV5 Cargo L2/H2 is its increased interior height, which makes it better suited to transporting taller and bulkier equipment.
The electric van measures 4,695mm in length, 1,895mm in width and 2,200mm in height, with a 2,995mm wheelbase. Its cargo compartment provides up to 1,815mm of internal height and a total load volume of 5.2m³.
The loading area measures up to 2,255mm in floor length, 1,565mm in width above the wheelarches and 1,330mm between the wheelarches.
Despite being the largest PV5 Cargo configuration currently offered in the UK, the L2/H2 retains a relatively compact footprint. Kia has also maintained the model’s tight 5.5-metre minimum turning circle, making it easier to manoeuvre through urban streets and confined delivery areas.
Access to the cargo compartment is provided by rear doors with an opening width of up to 1,343mm. A standard nearside sliding door offers a 775mm opening, while the 399mm side boarding height and 419mm rear step height are designed to make loading and unloading more convenient.
Three-door versions offer a maximum payload of 630kg, including a 75kg allowance for the driver. Four-door models, which feature sliding doors on both sides, have a slightly lower maximum payload of 600kg.
All versions can tow braked trailers weighing up to 1,500kg and support a maximum roof load of 100kg.
71.2kWh Battery Delivers Up to 239 Miles of Range
Kia equips every PV5 Cargo L2/H2 with its Long Range 71.2kWh battery pack, paired with a front-mounted electric motor producing 120kW (161 hp) and 250Nm of torque.
Power is delivered to the front wheels through a single-speed automatic transmission. The electric van has a maximum speed of 84mph and accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 12.4 seconds.
According to Kia, the PV5 Cargo L2/H2 can travel up to 239 miles on a full charge under the WLTP combined testing cycle. Actual range will depend on factors such as payload, driving conditions, temperature and vehicle usage.
Charging performance is another important consideration for commercial operators. When connected to a 150kW DC rapid charger, the battery can recharge from 10% to 80% in less than 30 minutes.
Using an 11kW AC charger, a full 10% to 100% recharge takes approximately six hours and 30 minutes. A 7kW AC connection extends that time to around 10 hours.
The PV5 Cargo is built on Kia’s dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S), an architecture developed specifically for the company’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) commercial vehicle family.
Essential Grade Comes With Extensive Standard Equipment
Kia offers the PV5 Cargo L2/H2 in two main equipment grades, Essential and Plus, with the additional Plus Walk Through configuration available for businesses that need easier access between the cabin and cargo compartment.
Even the entry-level Essential version comes with a generous equipment package.
The standard specification includes 16-inch steel wheels with full-size covers, LED headlights and rear lights, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated and electrically adjustable door mirrors, and automatic climate control.
Inside, drivers get a 12.9-inch touchscreen navigation system alongside a 7.5-inch digital instrument display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, two USB-C charging ports and seven years of Kia Connect services are also included.
The Essential grade features front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, Drive Mode Select with Eco, Normal and Snow settings, and regenerative braking paddle shifters.
Kia has also included a range of driver assistance systems, including Highway Driving Assist, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, Lane Following Assist 2, Lane Keep Assist and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist.
A three-seat configuration, with a driver’s seat and a two-person passenger bench, comes as standard. Buyers can choose two individual front seats at no additional cost.
PV5 Cargo Plus Adds More Comfort and Safety Features
The Plus grade builds on the Essential specification with additional comfort, convenience and safety equipment.
Upgrades include electrically folding door mirrors, LED indicators integrated into the daytime running lights, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. On three-seat versions, only the outer passenger seats are heated.
The Plus grade also adds Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist and Safe Exit Warning.
A wireless smartphone charging pad is included, while Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) functionality allows the van’s battery to power external electrical equipment. This includes a UK three-pin socket in the cargo area and an external adapter that connects to the vehicle’s charging port.
A heat pump is available as a £650 (+VAT) option across all Plus versions, including the Plus Walk Through model.
Plus Walk Through Makes Cargo Access Easier
One of the more interesting configurations is the PV5 Cargo L2/H2 Plus Walk Through, which is designed for delivery drivers and service professionals who frequently need to move between the cabin and cargo compartment.
Available exclusively as a three-door model, this version replaces the conventional passenger seat and bulkhead arrangement with a Fold and Dive passenger seat and a composite bulkhead featuring an integrated sliding door.
This setup allows the driver to access the cargo area directly from inside the vehicle without having to exit the van.
For businesses operating in busy urban environments, where frequent stops and deliveries are part of everyday operations, this configuration could provide a practical advantage.
The Plus Walk Through retains the additional equipment and safety features of the regular Plus grade.
Kia PV5 Cargo L2/H2 UK Prices and Specifications
Kia’s new high-roof electric van is available in three main versions, with different seating and door configurations.
The UK price list starts at £32,355 (+VAT) for the Essential grade and reaches £34,425 (+VAT) for the Plus Walk Through.
| Version | Battery | Price Excluding VAT | ZEV Grant | On-the-Road Price |
| Essential two-seat | 71.2kWh | £32,355 | £5,000 | £35,016 |
| Essential three-seat | 71.2kWh | £32,355 | £5,000 | £35,016 |
| Plus two-seat | 71.2kWh | £33,355 | £5,000 | £36,216 |
| Plus three-seat | 71.2kWh | £33,355 | £5,000 | £36,216 |
| Plus Walk Through | 71.2kWh | £34,425 | £5,000 | £37,500 |
LR = Long Range. ZEV Grant = Zero Emission Van Grant
All versions qualify for the UK Government’s £5,000 Zero Emission Van Grant, reducing the cost for eligible buyers.
A four-door configuration is available for an additional £355 (+VAT) on Essential and Plus models. The Plus Walk Through remains exclusively available with three doors.
Clear White is the standard exterior colour. Buyers can also choose Midnight Black, Cityscape Green or Steel Grey for an additional £625 (+VAT). All versions feature a Dark Blue interior.
Kia Completes Its PV5 Cargo Electric Van Lineup
The introduction of the PV5 Cargo L2/H2 gives Kia a more versatile electric commercial vehicle offering in the UK.
Its combination of a 5.2m³ cargo compartment, up to 630kg of payload capacity, 1,500kg towing capability and a 239-mile WLTP range makes it a potentially interesting option for businesses looking to transition to electric vans.
The high-roof configuration is particularly relevant for operators who regularly carry taller equipment or need additional storage space, while the Plus Walk Through version offers a useful solution for delivery operations involving frequent access to the cargo area.
With prices starting at £32,355 before VAT and a £5,000 government grant available to eligible buyers, the Kia PV5 Cargo L2/H2 adds another competitive option to the UK’s growing electric van market.
