Kia wants to create electric vehicles (EVs) that can easily switch between different roles, like being a regular passenger car, a taxi, or a delivery vehicle. They introduced this concept, known as the Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), at CES 2024, showcasing some initial designs.
These PBVs will all use a modular platform that has a fixed front cab, but the back part of the vehicle can be swapped out. This means the same vehicle could be a taxi during the daytime, a delivery van at night, and a personal car on weekends. Kia hinted at this idea back in April 2023, calling it the Purpose-Built Vehicle at that time.
The back section, which Kia refers to as the “life module,” attaches to the main chassis using both electromagnetic and mechanical connections. These modules can be shipped as kits and are designed for easy assembly outside a traditional factory. They will include features like large doors for easy access and a flat floor that’s great for storing cargo.
At CES, Kia displayed the Concept PV5, which gives a glimpse of the first planned PBV production model. Kia plans to offer different versions, including a basic model, a van, a high-roof version, and a chassis cab. There will also be a self-driving variant for an autonomous ride-hailing service being developed with Motional, a collaboration between Kia’s parent company Hyundai and the tech firm Aptiv.
Following the PV5, Kia will release a larger model, the PV7, and a smaller model, the PV1. These vehicles will be produced at a new factory in Hwaseong, South Korea, set to open in 2025. This facility will be capable of building 150,000 vehicles each year.
Kia also plans to develop an aftermarket ecosystem with various accessories that can be attached to standardized rails on the ceiling, floor, and side panels of the vehicles. These accessories could range from cabinets and shelves to speakers. Conversion shops in various markets will be able to install these features. Additionally, Kia will offer software bundles, including fleet management systems for commercial operators that use PBVs as delivery vans, taxis, or autonomous ride-hailing cars.
The idea of multiple body styles and a range of accessories seems inspired by the commercial van market. This approach could be more efficient than using the mix of sedans and SUVs currently dominating services like Uber or GrubHub.