Kia PV5 Cargo sets Guinness World Record with 693km single-charge run
Kia has made history with its new PV5 Cargo, setting a Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled by a fully loaded electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) on a single charge. The van covered 693.38 kilometres (430.84 miles) while carrying its maximum payload.
The record, officially titled “The greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge,” was achieved on 30 September 2025 in Germany. The feat took place on public roads north of Frankfurt, under real-world driving conditions, and was verified by independent inspectors from TÜV Hessen and buck Vermessung.
The drive took 22 hours and 30 minutes, with the PV5 Cargo L2H1 71.2kWh model completing twelve loops of a 58.2km test route that included traffic lights, roundabouts, intersections, and a 370m elevation gain.
“This record is a testament to the versatility and innovation behind Kia’s first Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV),” said Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “Even though Kia is new to the LCV market, this proves we’re serious contenders. Many fleet operators could realistically drive for nearly two working days on a single charge — that speaks volumes about the PV5’s real-world capability.”
Real-World Range, Proven Efficiency
Unlike typical range tests conducted under laboratory conditions, Kia’s record attempt was designed to mimic daily commercial operations. The PV5 Cargo faced stop-start traffic, elevation changes, and constant payload strain.
Despite the conditions, the electric van demonstrated exceptional efficiency. Kia engineers say an additional 100kg of load reduces the PV5’s range by just 1.5 per cent, highlighting its ability to maintain range even when fully burdened.
Behind the wheel were two experienced drivers: George Barrow, a respected commercial vehicle journalist and member of the International Van of the Year jury, and Christopher Nigemeier, a senior engineer at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre and part of the PV5’s development team.
Barrow described the experience as both gruelling and exhilarating. “I was seriously impressed by how far the Kia PV5 can go — more than 430 miles on a single charge with a full payload. That’s no small feat, and I have a feeling this record won’t be easy to beat,” he said.
Nigemeier added, “As an engineer, this was both a technical and personal challenge. George brought great driving experience, while I knew the PV5’s powertrain inside out. In the end, it was the van itself that impressed us both.”
Modular Design for Every Job
The PV5 is Kia’s first dedicated electric light commercial vehicle, built on the new E-GMP.S architecture — a spin on Kia’s Electric-Global Modular Platform tailored for service and utility vehicles. The van uses a modular “building block” design that allows it to be configured in multiple forms, including Cargo, Passenger, Crew Van, Chassis Cab, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, and even a light Camper.
In its L2H1 Cargo configuration, the PV5 offers 4.4 cubic metres of load space and a payload capacity of up to 790kg.
Kia says the PV5 has been engineered to combine efficiency with practicality. Its flat floor and boxy proportions maximise usable space, while its connected features — part of Kia’s PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) strategy — will allow fleet operators to optimise routes, monitor performance, and manage vehicles remotely.
