Skip advert
Advertisement

The Kia van is coming! We'll see it at CES 2024

The Korean firm will reveal its new PBV platform tech at January's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas

Kia electric vans

Kia is pushing forward with a new strategy that will see the company repositioned as a mobility provider, rather than a car maker, and its new PBV platform will be central to this transition. Until now PBV stood for Purpose Built Vehicle, and it previewed its plans in 2022 with a variety of concept models of different sizes, showcasing the versatility of its plans. But with the Korean company's latest announcement, PBV now stands for 'Platform Beyond Vehicle', as the firm's plans become more concrete.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Full details of PBV will be revealed at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, which takes place from 9-12 January, 2024. This will be the first time that Kia has appeared at CES in five years, and its presence signifies the importance of its new PBV  tech, seeing it as a 'Total Mobility Solution' that will be suitable for a range of business and lifestyle needs.

Five concept models are planned for the Las Vegas show, including the first PBV-based model, which is scheduled for production in 2025. As well as enabling the expansion of its range of passenger vehicles, PBV will also provide a platform for commercial vehicles, an area of the market that Kia - and the Hyundai group as a whole - hasn't really explored beyond its native Korea.

Kia will also showcase the technology that PBV will use, including hardware such as Easy Swap and Dynamic Hybrid modularisation technologies. There's no confirmation of what these systems involve beyond what we can interpret from the names,but all will be revealed in a series of keynote speeches at Las Vegas.

The show will also showcase the advanced software that Kia will use, which is sourced from parent firm Hyundai (the company is also showcasing new tech at CES), and its plans for global partnerships will also be revealed.

kia ev vans

As well as the arrival of PBV, Kia will also be showcasing its range of EVs at CES. The new EV9 flagship SUV and EV6 GT will lead the company's 'EVs for All' display, while the EV3 small SUV and EV4 saloon concepts will also be present in Las Vegas.

We'll have more details on Kia's new PBV architecture when the company reveals more information at CES Las Vegas on 8 January.

Subscribe to the UK's favourite car magazine: get Auto Express delivered every week...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Senior test editor

Dean has been part of the Auto Express team for more than 20 years, and has worked across nearly all departments, starting on magazine production, then moving to road tests and reviews. He's our resident van expert, but covers everything from scooters and motorbikes to supercars and consumer products.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Kia PV5 teaser images tell us it will look very different to its electric van rivals
Kia PV5 teaser - front

New Kia PV5 teaser images tell us it will look very different to its electric van rivals

Latest pictures show the Kia PV5 will bring concept looks to the commercial vans class as it gears up for unveiling this month
News
13 Feb 2025
New 2025 Kia EV4 teased ahead of imminent reveal
Kia EV4 teaser - front

New 2025 Kia EV4 teased ahead of imminent reveal

Kia is aiming directly at Tesla with its ultra-modern all-electric saloon and future hatchback models
News
13 Feb 2025
New Kia EV2 Concept teasers reveal more on entry-level electric compact
Kia EV2 teaser - front

New Kia EV2 Concept teasers reveal more on entry-level electric compact

The EV2’s design should closely match Kia’s range of EV-badged models
News
13 Feb 2025
Modern car tech can do all sorts of things, if you’re willing to give up your privacy
Opinion - car tech privacy

Modern car tech can do all sorts of things, if you’re willing to give up your privacy

Are our cars becoming a bit too nosy? Editor Paul Barker shares his concerns
Opinion
15 Jan 2025

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027
Fiat Panda Cross - front static

The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027

Fiat will build a new city-sized Pandina based on the new 500 platform, bringing a proper, petrol powered A-segment city car to market as early as 202…
News
12 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it
Renault 5 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it

The reborn Renault 5 is one of the most feverishly anticipated cars in a long time, and at such a low price, our Deal of the Day for 8 February is a p…
News
8 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts