Kia has officially made history in the world of electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs). The Kia PV5 Cargo, the brand’s first dedicated eLCV and a member of its pioneering Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) family, has earned a place in the Guinness World Records™ by covering an astonishing 693.38km (430.84 miles) on a single charge while carrying its maximum payload.
The record-breaking achievement took place on 30 September 2025 on public roads north of Frankfurt, Germany, under authentic, real-world conditions. The PV5 Cargo L2H1 71.2kWh variant completed the journey over a 58.2km urban and extra-urban loop, repeated 12 times, tackling city traffic, intersections, roundabouts, and an elevation gain of roughly 370 metres, all while fully loaded. This rigorous route mirrored the daily realities of delivery and logistics operations, demonstrating the PV5 Cargo’s exceptional efficiency, reliability, and practicality.
“Even if Kia is new to the LCV market, this record is a testament to the versatility and innovation behind Kia’s first PBV,” said Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe. “Much of our target audience could operate for almost two full working days on a single charge. The PV5 combines efficiency, flexibility, and intelligent connectivity in one package.”
A Benchmark in Efficiency and Endurance
Internal tests confirm that the PV5 Cargo’s range is minimally affected by payload. An additional 100kg reduces range by only about 1.5%, highlighting the van’s real-world usability without compromise. The vehicle’s efficiency and endurance make it a standout option for urban fleets looking to transition to sustainable mobility.
The Record-Setting Team
Behind the wheel of the record-setting PV5 were George Barrow, a respected commercial vehicle journalist, and Christian Nigemeier, a senior engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC). Barrow, with over 15 years covering vans and a jury member for the International Van of the Year (IVOTY) Award since 2016, called the experience “demanding but unforgettable.” Nigemeier, intimately familiar with the PV5’s powertrain, added, “It became a friendly competition to see who could extract the most from each kilowatt-hour. Ultimately, it was the vehicle itself that impressed us both.”
The attempt was meticulously prepared, with TÜV Hessen inspectors verifying payload and weight compliance, GPS tracking and in-cabin cameras recording the entire 22-hour, 30-minute journey, and the vehicle’s battery sealed at 100% before departure.
The First of Kia’s PBV Family
The PV5 marks the first model in Kia’s flexible PBV family, built on the E-GMP.S architecture (Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service). Its modular design allows for multiple configurations, including Cargo, Passenger, Chassis Cab, Crew Van, Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle, and light Camper variants.
The Cargo L2H1 variant provides up to 4.4m³ of load space and a payload capacity of 790kg, with two battery options—51.5kWh or 71.2kWh—tailored to operational needs. This versatility underscores Kia’s commitment to delivering innovative, efficient, and practical solutions for commercial mobility.
The record-breaking PV5 Cargo will be showcased at the Solutrans Tradeshow in Lyon (EurExpo) from 18 November 2025, Hall 5, Booth C130, offering industry professionals the chance to witness the future of electric commercial vehicles firsthand.
