Kia Celebrates Landmark Wins with PV5 Named ‘2026 International Van of the Year’ and EV5 Awarded Five-Star Euro NCAP Rating

Kia is closing out 2025 with two major achievements that strengthen its position as a leader in electrified mobility. The company’s first purpose-built, all-electric van—the Kia PV5—has been crowned ‘2026 International Van of the Year’ (IVOTY) , while the fully electric Kia EV5 has secured the maximum five-star Euro NCAP safety rating , underlining Kia’s engineering excellence across both commercial and passenger EV segments.

Kia PV5 Makes History as First Korean Van to Win IVOTY

Kia’s PV5 earned the prestigious IVOTY title on 19 November at the SOLUTRANS 2025 Gala in Lyon, France, marking the first time a Korean manufacturer has ever won the award. A jury of commercial vehicle journalists from 26 countries praised the PV5 for setting “a new benchmark for innovation, efficiency and capability” within the light commercial vehicle class.

Jarlath Sweeney, Chairman of the IVOTY jury, highlighted the PV5’s blend of zero-emission performance and real-world practicality: “It redefines what businesses can expect from a modern van.” Accepting the accolade, Kia President & CEO Ho Sung Song said the recognition reflects Kia’s deep understanding of business customer needs. He emphasised the PV5’s advanced E-GMP.S platform, refined design, and innovative production system—an integrated conveyor-and-cell approach that enables greater flexibility and environmental optimisation.

Despite competing against six new LCVs—including two other electric vans—the PV5 stood out thanks to its strong range, high payload capability, and rapid-charging performance. Offering up to 258 miles of all-electric WLTP range (Cargo L2H1), 256 miles for the five-seat Passenger model, and 10–80% DC charging in under 30 minutes, the PV5 delivers practicality without compromise. It also recently set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for “the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-electric van with maximum payload on a single charge,” covering 693.38 km (430.85 miles).

Kia Europe President & CEO Marc Hedrich called the award a milestone achievement: “Though new to the LCV market, this proves our readiness to deliver design, engineering and usability at the highest level.” The PV5, available in Cargo and Passenger configurations, will expand further from 2026 with Chassis Cab, short-wheelbase (L1H1) and High Roof (L2H2) variants. Larger PBV models—the PV7 and PV9—are already in development.

Kia EV5 Earns Top Euro NCAP Safety Score

Complementing the PV5’s success, Kia’s EV5 SUV has achieved the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP’s latest round of safety testing. The model impressed across all four categories: 83% adult occupant, 85% child occupant, 74% vulnerable road users, and 80% Safety Assist.

In crash testing, the EV5’s high-strength E-GMP platform provided a stable passenger compartment, with excellent knee, femur and whiplash protection. Side-impact performance was rated at the highest level, and all child restraint systems tested could be correctly installed. Additionally, the EV5’s AEB system delivered strong results when responding to vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists—particularly in cyclist scenarios.

Euro NCAP also praised the EV5’s extensive ADAS package, including Lane Keeping Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist, driver status monitoring, and a full suite of seatbelt reminders. An advanced eCall system and secondary-collision prevention capability further strengthen the EV5’s safety credentials.

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Kia Celebrates Landmark Wins with PV5 Named ‘2026 International Van of the Year’ and EV5 Awarded Five-Star Euro NCAP Rating

Kia PV5 Makes History as First Korean Van to Win IVOTY

Kia EV5 Earns Top Euro NCAP Safety Score