World Record for Electric Van Range: Kia Sets a New Benchmark

The Kia PV5 Cargo Long Range has covered 693.38 km at full load, setting a new Guinness World Record for efficiency and range among electric commercial vehicles.

Kia has achieved a historic milestone in electric mobility with its first fully electric van, the PV5 Cargo Long Range. This model has officially travelled 693.38 kilometres on a single charge, earning the Guinness World Record for the longest distance driven by a production electric van. Even more impressively, the feat was accomplished with the vehicle carrying its maximum payload, proving the real-world efficiency of Kia’s latest electric technology.

A demanding real-world test

The challenge took place on 30 September 2025, on public roads north of Frankfurt, Germany. The van completed a 58.2-kilometre loop twelve times, facing urban and suburban traffic, traffic lights, and altitude changes of up to 370 metres per lap. The test was fully supervised and certified by TÃV Hessen and buck Vermessung, with continuous GPS and video monitoring. The 71.2 kWh battery was sealed at 100% before departure and remained sealed until the end, after an impressive 22 hours and 30 minutes of non-stop driving.

The vehicle used was a Kia PV5 Cargo Long Range, loaded to its maximum 665 kg payload capacity. The final result – nearly 700 kilometres without recharging – sets a new benchmark for energy efficiency in the light electric commercial vehicle (eLCV) segment. Behind the wheel were George Barrow, a commercial vehicle journalist and International Van of the Year juror, and Christopher Nigemeier, senior engineer at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC).

Far beyond the official range

What makes the record even more remarkable is that the official WLTP range of the PV5 Cargo stands at 416 kilometres. In other words, the van managed to exceed its rated range by 277 km, representing a 66% improvement over the homologated figure. This achievement was made possible by the advanced E-GMP.S platform, which optimises battery efficiency and thermal management for maximum endurance.

Innovation on display in Lyon

The Kia PV5 Cargo Long Range offers a 4.4 m³ load volume and can carry up to 790 kg, depending on configuration. It’s available with 51.5 and 71.2 kWh battery options, with a smaller 43.3 kWh version arriving soon for urban fleets. The record-breaking unit will be on display at Solutrans 2025 in Lyon (EurExpo), from 18 to 22 November, located in Hall 5, Stand C130. In Spain, prices start at €18,390 excluding VAT and with current offers, or €39,190 including taxes and without promotions.

With this achievement, Kia not only cements its position as a leader in commercial electrification but also proves that real-world range and sustainability can go hand in hand. The era of practical, long-range electric vans has well and truly begun.