Kia PV5 Cargo Sets New Guinness World Record for Electric Light Commercial Vehicles

The innovative electric van covers 693 km on a single charge, marking a new benchmark in eLCV efficiency.

Kia has made history by establishing a new Guinness World Record for electric range in light commercial vehicles. The Kia PV5 Cargo, part of the company’s innovative Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) lineup, covered 693.38 km (430.84 miles) on a single battery charge while carrying its maximum payload. This achievement demonstrates Kia’s leadership in efficiency, flexibility, and real-world functionality for professional operators.

The record was set on September 30, 2025, on open roads north of Frankfurt, Germany, under real-life driving conditions. Marc Hedrich, President and CEO of Kia Europe, highlighted that the PV5 Cargo proves Kia is a formidable competitor in the light commercial electric vehicle market.

Real-World Testing for Maximum Reliability

The record route was carefully designed to reflect everyday delivery and logistics scenarios. Covering a 58.2 km urban and suburban circuit with traffic lights, intersections, roundabouts, and typical city congestion, the PV5 Cargo completed 12 full laps carrying its maximum payload, including repeated climbs of 370 meters. These demanding conditions showcase the van’s exceptional efficiency and reliability, making it a perfect solution for sustainable urban mobility. Internal tests revealed that adding 100 kg of cargo reduces the PV5’s range by only around 1.5%, highlighting its practicality and endurance.

The Team Behind the Record

Behind the wheel were George Barrow, a respected journalist specializing in commercial vehicles, and Christopher Nigemeier, senior engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center. Barrow emphasized the van’s remarkable range, while Nigemeier noted the technical challenge of maximizing energy efficiency during the attempt. The record drive was meticulously monitored by TÜV Hessen and Buck Vermessung inspectors, with GPS tracking and in-cabin cameras documenting the 22-hour, 30-minute journey. Every aspect, from battery charge to payload, was carefully controlled to meet Guinness World Records standards.

Kia PV5: The First Member of a Flexible PBV Family

As the inaugural model of Kia’s PBV family, the PV5 Cargo is built on the E-GMP.S modular electric platform, featuring a “building block” concept for flexible configurations. It can serve as a cargo van, passenger vehicle, accessible van, or even a camper. The PV5 Cargo offers up to 4.4 cubic meters of space and a payload capacity of 790 kg, with battery options of 51.5 kWh, 71.2 kWh, and a future 43.3 kWh variant, making it highly adaptable for a wide range of commercial applications.

Kia’s Commitment to Innovation and Sustainability

With this Guinness World Record, Kia reinforces its commitment to innovative, practical, and efficient electric mobility solutions. The PV5 Cargo, now a global benchmark for range and reliability in light commercial EVs, will be showcased at Solutrans in Lyon from November 18, 2025, at Hall 5, Stand C130. This achievement highlights Kia’s dedication to developing electric vehicles that meet real-world business needs while pushing the boundaries of performance and sustainability.