Kia PV5 crowned 2026 International Van of the Year
Kia has claimed one of the commercial vehicle world’s biggest prizes, with its new all-electric PV5 named 2026 International Van of the Year (IVOTY). It’s the first time a Korean manufacturer has taken the title since the award’s creation in 1992.
The announcement was made at the IVOTY Award Gala during SOLUTRANS 2025 in Lyon, France, where the PV5 won unanimously against six finalists. The jury comprises 26 leading commercial-vehicle journalists from around the globe.
IVOTY judges each contender on how effectively it improves real-world productivity, with particular focus on innovation, safety, efficiency and environmental performance.
Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the IVOTY jury, said the electric Kia van set a new benchmark for the segment.
“Congratulations to Kia for winning the prestigious 34th International Van of the Year Award,” he said. “The all-electric Kia PV5 sets a new benchmark for innovation, efficiency, and all-round capability in the light commercial vehicle segment. It combines zero-emission performance with versatility and practicality, redefining what businesses can expect from a modern van. Kia has long been celebrated for its award-winning cars, and now, its van division is making an equally powerful impact on the industry.”
Kia’s first electric van hits the ground running
The PV5 is Kia’s first dedicated electric light commercial vehicle and the debut model in the brand’s new “Platform Beyond Vehicle” (PBV) programme. It’s built on the E-GMP.S platform, delivering a WLTP range of up to 416km for the Cargo Long variant and 412km for the five-seat Passenger model. DC fast-charging from 10 to 80 per cent takes around 30 minutes, while payload capacity tops out at 790kg.
It has also already picked up a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the longest distance travelled by a light-duty electric van at maximum payload on a single charge, covering 693.38km.
Kia President & CEO Ho Sung Song said the award validates the brand’s push into purpose-built EVs.
“Kia has long stood at the forefront of EV innovation, and the PV5 brings that leadership into the commercial vehicle space with purpose,” he said. “We developed the PV5 by listening closely to our business customers… To have the PV5 named International Van of the Year in its debut is an exceptional honor.”
Marc Hedrich, President & CEO of Kia Europe, said the award highlights the brand’s readiness to compete in the commercial vehicle sector.
“Winning the prestigious International Van of the Year Award is a true honor… Though new to the LCV market, this achievement confirms Kia’s readiness to deliver engineering, design and practicality to strengthen our position as a leading mobility solutions provider.”
More PBVs coming
Kia says customer feedback shaped the PV5 from the outset, with logistics, delivery and mobility providers involved throughout development. That approach will continue as Kia expands its PBV range. Larger PBV models — the PV7 and PV9 — are also in development.
Read more – Kia PV5 first drive: Future van, man?
