PV5 Earth Plus

Introduction

The electric van market has long been the domain of premium manufacturers — anyone wanting a spacious electric vehicle for the family had to dig deep into their pockets. Kia wants to change that with the PV5. Our test trim, Earth Plus for 5 seats, starts at €38,190, currently available with a discount at €35,790, and for an upgrade to €40,390 brings an extensive package of additional safety and comfort equipment. The test shows: this is an electric car that rethinks the space question — and does so with surprisingly few compromises.

Design and build quality

The PV5 deliberately forgoes applied elegance. Its boxy, functional lines reveal at first glance where this vehicle comes from: the commercial vehicle world. That's not a drawback — it's the point. Inside, hard plastic dominates — at first glance a downside, though one that's put into perspective on closer inspection. The materials feel robust and durable, exactly what you'd expect from a vehicle meant to handle a lot in daily use. Build quality itself is solid, with nothing feeling cheaply assembled. Anyone looking for plush surfaces will be disappointed — anyone looking for a vehicle that still looks presentable after years of intensive use will get exactly what they need.

Powertrain and handling

Our test version with the larger battery delivers 163 hp and 250 Nm of torque — figures that make the van pleasantly brisk, without pushing into a power class nobody would expect here anyway. The overall driving feel is positive: the electric motor works smoothly and calmly, with acceleration arriving immediately and without delay. Anyone switching from a classic combustion-engined commercial vehicle or minibus will feel the progress instantly. The PV5 feels manageable in city traffic, and the compact turning circle makes manoeuvring in narrow streets or full car parks straightforward. Range sits within the expected bracket for this vehicle class — not outstanding, but sufficient for the vast majority of everyday uses, from commuting to weekend trips.

Interior and infotainment

This is where the PV5's real strength shows — and more clearly than you'd expect from a vehicle in this price class: space. Despite compact exterior dimensions, the interior offers a sense of room that leaves many classic combustion-engined rivals in this class clearly behind. Freedom of movement for driver, front passenger and rear occupants is generous, and the boot swallows even bulky luggage without complaint. Anyone juggling family life, shopping and the occasional transport job will find what they need here. The Earth Plus trim adds sensible touches: electrically adjustable, longitudinally sliding front seats with air-sprung lumbar support ensure comfort even on longer drives. One drawback remains the controls for air conditioning and other basic functions — there are no physical buttons here, everything runs through the touchscreen. Anyone used to adjusting temperature without looking will need to adapt.

Efficiency

With consumption of around 19.3 kWh per 100 km, the PV5 sits at a level that makes sense for a vehicle of this size and payload. Range, as already mentioned, is not a figure to boast about — but it's enough for the daily use this van was designed for. Anyone regularly covering long distances in one go should keep charging planning in mind. Anyone using the PV5 as a commuter and family vehicle, charging at home or at work, will get on well with its efficiency.

Driver assistance and safety

With the Earth Plus trim, Kia puts together a safety package that's impressive for this class. The 360° around-view monitor makes manoeuvring in tight situations noticeably easier, and the blind spot view monitor displays the relevant side camera feed directly during lane changes — a clever solution that adds real value. The package is rounded off by a collision avoidance assist for reversing out of parking spaces, an active blind spot and rear cross-traffic assist, and parking sensors all round. Electrically folding door mirrors complete the everyday package. Overall, a safety level you wouldn't necessarily expect as standard in this price class.

Verdict

The Kia PV5 Earth Plus is a vehicle that plays its strengths exactly where they matter: space, practicality and a fair price-to-value ratio. That an electric car in this form offers more room than many combustion-engined rivals is no small achievement, and it deserves recognition. The robust build, largely finished in hard plastic, may not appeal to everyone, but it suits the vehicle's purpose. The driving feel convinces, range is sufficient without shining, and the absence of physical controls for the climate system remains a small but real everyday drawback. All told, the PV5 Earth Plus at €40,390 — or from €35,790 with the current discount in base trim — is a vehicle likely to win over exactly the buyers who value space and everyday usability over premium aspirations.