23:00 25-11-2025

Kia PV5 makes history as International Van of the Year 2026

Kia PV5, built on the E-GMP.S platform, wins International Van of the Year 2026 for efficiency, safety and flexibility, setting a benchmark for electric vans.

Kia has announced that the PV5 has taken the International Van of the Year 2026 title, with the award presented at the Solutrans show in Lyon. It is a landmark moment: for the first time in the prize’s 34-year history, a Korean brand and an Asian electric light commercial vehicle have secured the top spot. The 26-member jury reached a unanimous verdict, a rare seal of approval that speaks to how convincingly the van makes its case.

Built on the E-GMP.S platform, the Kia PV5 is engineered for service-focused use and a wide range of upfit options. The van combines an electric architecture with a flat floor and a roomier load area. In Europe, it was recognized for efficiency, safety, environmental performance, and flexibility—exactly the mix that fleet operators tend to prioritize when practicality and running costs matter as much as innovation.

Rivals for the crown included the Ford E-Transit Courier, Volkswagen Crafter, and Parizon SV. The PV5 distinguished itself with technical innovation, an enlarged safety zone, a reinforced body structure, and the use of sustainable materials. The emphasis on protection for occupants and cargo implies that development was guided by real-world duty cycles rather than spec-sheet theatrics.

This result sets a clear marker for the segment, underlining how quickly electric light commercial vehicles are moving from promising ideas to tools that meet everyday demands on European roads.