Kia’s new PV5 electric van just set a Guinness World Record, traveling more than 430 miles on a single charge while fully loaded. The feat was achieved with a 71 kWh battery and a payload of nearly 1,500 pounds, proving that long-range electric work vans are no longer a future promise—they’re here.
To validate the result in real-world conditions, the PV5 ran a 36-mile loop that mixed city streets and highway miles, mirroring the daily grind of delivery routes. A seasoned van reviewer and a PV5 development engineer shared driving duties for more than 22 hours, with the vehicle operating at its max Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Even at over 2.5 tons during testing, the electric van delivered outstanding efficiency.
How efficient? The 430-plus-mile run translates to roughly 11 kWh per 100 km, or about 17.7 kWh per 100 miles. That’s impressive for a light cargo vehicle carrying a full load. For context, many compact electric sedans on the road report around 22 kWh per 100 miles in typical conditions, with only the best-case scenarios dipping lower.
Kia also shared a useful rule of thumb for operators: for every 100 kg of payload, the PV5 loses only about 1.5% of its range compared to running empty. With a 1,500-pound (about 680 kg) payload, that suggests the van would have stretched roughly 40 miles farther without the cargo. In other words, the PV5 delivers strong range whether it’s fully loaded or running light.
Charging performance keeps uptime high. The PV5 supports fast DC charging that can bring the battery from low to 80% in about 30 minutes—ideal for fleets that can’t sit still for long. Longevity should be another plus for total cost of ownership, as recent EV battery data indicates Kia packs tend to retain capacity well over time compared to many rivals.
The PV5 lineup is designed to be flexible. It will be offered as a cargo hauler, a passenger carrier, and a specialized configuration for transporting people with reduced mobility. In the United States, the PV5 cargo variant is expected to start around $37,000 when it arrives in 2026, positioning it as a compelling value for businesses looking to electrify without sacrificing range or capability.
With record-setting range, fleet-friendly charging, and smart packaging, Kia’s PV5 electric van looks ready to become a workhorse for last-mile delivery, service fleets, and businesses that need reliable, efficient transportation every day.
