Kia Corp to Sell PBVs in Japan in 2026

The Kia Corp is pretty busy these days, whether it’s developing a new battery-electric vehicle (BEV) like the Kia EV8 concept, Kia Connect Store Apps, or working on its Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs). Or is it “platform-based vehicles” or “platform beyond vehicles”? It doesn’t seem like the automaker can pick a name and stick with it, but the plan to roll out a three-phase plan for Kia PBVs is inching forward. The Kia Corp just announced that it will start selling Platform Beyond Vehicle models in Japan in early 2026.

It’s all part of the plan. Phase One will see the production of PBVs that focus on ride-hailing and delivery. Most likely geared towards commercial fleets that can make use of utilities that can enhance the data connectivity between vehicles. Phase two really kicks things into gear.

For Phase Two, Kia will be designing AI-based mobility platforms that allow consumers to customize their driving experience based on what they need their PBV for. Called the PBV5, various versions will be built as a foundation with the following cab choices: Basic, Van, High Roof, and Chassis Cab. For the Japanese market specifically, Kia will develop a range of PBVs to meet the consumers’ specific needs in that region. A mid-size model of the PV5 is said to launch first, following the PV7. The latter is a phase thee model defined by more interior space, greater driving range, and enhanced functionalities.

The PV5 will be making use of “Easy Swap” technology that allows consumers to switch up the design of their vehicle with an integrated rail system on the vehicle’s ceiling, floor, exterior, and side panels that can install and uninstall modular pieces between vehicles called “tiles” for various functions. For the Japanese market, Kia will be focused on a dedicated PBV platform that enables consumers to be able to customize the seating layout, luggage compartment shape, door options, and battery capacity (and more) of their PV5. We’ll also get more on the automaker’s plans for PBVs at mobility shows, like the Smart City showcase by the Hyundai Motor Group at the World Smart City Expo 2024.

“We look forward to commencing PBV sales and delivering customer-centered value with the evolution of Kia’s business in the Japanese market. We will continue to introduce various PBV-related solutions optimized for local-market characteristics to satisfy the demands of our Japanese customers.” – Sangdae Kim, Senior Vice President and Head of Kia PBV Business Division

All that leaves is Phase Three. In conjunction with the Smart City concept. Phase three will have evolved to be highly customizable in a future mobility ecosystem. By utilizing the “Easy Swap” electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology, consumers will be able to basically transform their vehicles. It can be a taxi in the morning, a delivery vehicle in the afternoon, and a more personalized or recreational vehicle at night. The possibilities can be endless. Again, we’ll see more of that with the PV7 model. Right now, Japan is set to get the PV5 to test things out.

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Photo Source/Copyright: Kia Media