A New Milestone in Electric Vehicle Applications
The Kia PV5 Cargo has made history by setting a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM for electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs). Achieves the greatest distance traveled on a single charge while carrying its maximum payload. On September 30, 2025, the PV5 Cargo traveled 693.38 kilometers (430.84 miles) on public roads near Frankfurt, Germany, under real-world conditions. This achievement showcases Kia‘s breakthrough in electric vehicle range capabilities. This demonstrates both the practicality and efficiency required for everyday commercial use. As electric vehicles increasingly penetrate the market, especially in commercial logistics and delivery, this record fuels confidence in EVs replacing traditional diesel vans for daily heavy-duty applications.
Real-World Testing with Maximum Payload
The PV5 Cargo Long Range variant equipped with a 71.2 kWh battery. Vehicle was loaded with its maximum authorized payload of 665 kg, a load typical in commercial operations. To simulate real-life conditions, the test route consisted of a 58.2-kilometer urban and extra-urban loop. Additionally test featured traffic lights, intersections, and roundabouts while climbing approximately 370 meters in elevation. The van completed this loop 12 times over nearly 22 and a half hours without recharging. This endurance under full load highlights the PV5’s exceptional energy efficiency, powertrain optimization, and battery durability. All of these critical for electric light commercial vehicles faced with rigorous urban and logistic demands.
Innovation in Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV)
The Kia PV5 Cargo is the first model built on Kia’s innovative Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) architecture. This platform has a design for modular flexibility, allowing different configurations including Cargo, Passenger, Chassis Cab, and Wheelchair Accessible variants. Besides, the modular concept supports a range of battery options to meet diverse customer needs, with the direct benefit of enhancing operational versatility. Using the E-GMP.S platform, the PV5 combines a modern electric vehicle architecture with adaptability focused on commercial clients who require sustainability without sacrificing productivity.
Leadership and Technical Excellence Behind the Record
Behind the record-breaking run were experts dedicated to maximizing the van’s efficiency. Commercial vehicle journalist George Barrow and senior engineer Christopher Nigemeier from Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center conducted the drive. Their combined expertise ensured optimal driving strategy to extract maximum range from every kilowatt-hour, demonstrating the human element crucial to pushing electric vehicle performance boundaries. To verify compliance with payload and operational standards independent officials meticulously supervised the test. Besides, continuous monitoring technology was used throughout the journey for accuracy and transparency.
Implications for the Electric Light Commercial Vehicle Market
Kia’s Guinness World Record with the PV5 Cargo marks a significant step forward for electric light commercial vehicles. It redefines expectations for electric van range under practical, fully-loaded conditions and signals a growing viability for these vehicles in daily commercial use. This accomplishment supports the continued transition away from diesel-powered vans and aligns with global efforts for sustainable urban mobility. With a projected increase in EV adoption across logistics and delivery fleets, innovations like the PV5 inform a future where electric commercial vehicles improve efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and meet demanding operational needs without compromise.
