- Kia showcased the PV5 WKNDR electrical van, a wild off-road idea, on the 2024 SEMA present in Las Vegas.
- Its off-road tires are wrapped round rims that spin freely and may generate electrical energy utilizing wind or water.
- The PV5 WKNDR is extremely modular, with seats that flip into espresso tables and movable chairs.
Off-roaders is probably not Kia’s forte, however now the Korean auto big is displaying an intent to go into that area. Positive, the Sportage and the Telluride can trundle previous some gentle trails, however with the PV5 WKNDR electrical van, Kia is displaying us simply how versatile a battery-powered electrical van could be.
Kia not too long ago unwrapped its futuristic electrical vans referred to as the PV5 and PV7 in Europe. They’re a part of what Kia calls a “Platform Past Automobile” method. They’re the carmaker’s variations of a Ford E-Transit or the Volkswagen ID.Buzz Cargo—however extra linked, extra futuristic, extra modular and naturally, totally electrical.
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On the ongoing SEMA Present in Las Vegas, Kia delighted show-goers with an off-road idea primarily based on the PV5 electrical van. It’s referred to as the PV5 WKNDR. And in response to some early walkaround movies from the present, it appears to be like just like the PV5 WKNDR might simply be the best go-anywhere electrical van idea we’ve seen.
In response to a video by the YouTube channel TFLnow, the PV5 Wkndr appears to be like like it may possibly take you to the far finish of the paths. Once you get there, it may be your front room, workstation, bed room, kitchen, or only a area to hang around with your pals or household and soak within the views.
What makes it distinctive are the tiny particulars. On the entrance, for instance, it has a winch with a digital show mounted simply above that exhibits how a lot weight the cables are pulling in actual time. When it’s not winching, that show may very well be a message board or a digital license plate.
A Kia designer additionally defined the performance of the distinctive wheels within the video above.
The “hydro turbine” wheels transfer independently from the off-road tires and may generate electrical energy. No, it isn’t brake regen. It is one thing fully completely different. Say you’re tenting and there’s a gust of wind. The wheels will spin and harness that vitality to recharge the battery, producing energy utilizing nature’s forces whereas stationary. It additionally has a big photo voltaic roof.
Inside, it appears to be like way more spacious than its exterior dimensions point out. Consider it as a front room with a number of movable items of furnishings that you could reposition nevertheless you want, relying on the event—however with next-level modularity. The co-driver’s seat could be folded right into a espresso desk, which may then be moved to the rear.
It has a number of bench seats neatly tucked within the van’s partitions. After they’re tucked in, they are often modular racks for a wide range of mounts. Once you pull them out, there’s a spot to sit down. When the co-driver’s seat is doing coffee-table responsibility, the modular rear seats can take its place—and even flip right into a backward-facing lounge chair.
Photograph by: InsideEVs
There’s additionally a sizeable pop-out platform to position a fridge or a trash can. The platform has an extension for a small kitchen—much like the Rivian journey kitchen. And eventually, there’s additionally a pop-out rear window and a roof-mounted camper the place you may spend the night time.
Positive, automakers can go wild with ideas and that’s what Kia has performed right here. But it surely additionally showcases the breadth of potentialities of an electrical structure. With fewer shifting components beneath, you may get inventive inside, optimize inside area and switch electrical vans into multi-purpose automobiles: supply vans, campers, off-roaders, or perhaps a stationary vitality generator on this case.
We don’t know if this one will ever make it to manufacturing, however I’m hoping it does as a result of it actually takes van life to the subsequent degree. Nevertheless, it’s price noting that the PV5 electrical van is coming into manufacturing in South Korea subsequent yr and that one is probably going headed to the U.S. in 2026. Nevertheless, these plans might change relying on how EV coverage and tariffs change subsequent yr underneath the brand new administration.
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