Kia has unveiled its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business purpose of transcending conventional vehicle and mobility concepts and aims to have it ready for production by next year!
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“Kia PBVs will be an enabler of business innovation thanks to our customer-centric management system, EV mass production expertise, and the Hyundai Motor Group’s rapidly developing SDx strategy and related future businesses. We are excited to show that we are fully prepared to become the first mover in the global PBV market,” – Ho Sung Song, Kia President and CEO
The PBVs utilise the brand’s “Easy Swap” technology, which allows these products to be flexible enough to serve various purposes. Behind the fixed foundation is a series of interchangeable upper bodies connected to the base of the vehicle via a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling system. This allows the PBV to be converted from a taxi during the day to a delivery van at night, and much more.
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Kia has outlined a roadmap for its Platform Beyond Vehicle business and segments its plan into three phases. The first phase will see the introduction of the brand’s PV5 EV, intended for a variety of mobility demands from e-hailing to delivery services. The PV will be offered in various configurations ranging from a “Basic” trim to its “Chassis Cab” configuration. Phase two is planned at the point at which Kia will complete its PBV model line-up, which includes models such as the PV7 and PV1.
The PV7 is the largest offering in the PBV lineup and is configured to accommodate more driving range and larger interior space. The PV1 is the smallest offering that contradicts the characteristics of the PV7. The PV1 offers a mobility solution for customers seeking a platform for short-distance logistics and uses driving modules purposed for agility and manoeuvrability. Kia intends to evolve its PBVs into highly bespoke and customisable mobility solutions in the business’ third phase.
“Kia PBVs will initiate a new era of seamless everyday business and lifestyle solutions. We hope to make our customers’ lives easier and better, whether they’re stationary or on the move, offering exceptional flexibility and customization through radical modularisation,” – Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design.
With the South Korean automaker set to launch its first mid-sized purpose-built vehicle model (PBV) in 2025, it looks like the future of modular mobility is here then folks. Have a look how the modular system works below.
