“Quick and simple in-field transformation.” That’s the mantra behind the Kia PV5 electric car concept. The vehicle adopts a pillar-less design with a large space inside that allows easy entry and exit. Kia plans to create a cabinet and frame system to go with the modular appeal of its PBV concept. Inside the car will be a rail system tethered to the roof, floor, the side panels, and even the external chassis.
The idea is to allow seamless movement of goods using a system of frames and cabinets. One of Kia’s concept images envisions a folding rack tucked neatly inside the van that opens outside to reveal a makeshift mobile shopping shelf. The PV5 concept also envisions a system of tiles to accommodate accessories such as audio gear and other appliances inside the van depending on the customers’ diverse needs.
Kia
Down the road, the company has plans for its largest PBV vehicle yet in the PV7, and a small van for short commutes named PV1. Kia hopes to roll out a “customer participation-based development process” for the PBV portfolio with a focus on large-volume business clients. On the software side, Kia plans liberal use of AI-assisted intelligent features such as predictive servicing suggestions, route planning based on charging station availability and battery status, and a cluster fleet management dashboard, among others.
