Kia Unveils Modular EV Lineup for Commercial Use at CES 2024
On Monday at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Kia revealed its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) future strategy, which will initially be based around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle previewed by the Kia Concept PV5.
This future vision was presented alongside a multi-phase plan to hopefully revolutionize the mobility industry.
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“Kia’s PBV business represents our vision of going beyond the traditional concept of automobiles by fulfilling the unmet needs of diverse customers and communities through optimized vehicles and services catering to specific market and business circumstances,” Kia President and CEO Ho Sung Song said.
The Kia PV5 is a versatile EV optimized for major domains such as hailing, delivery and utilities that features conversion capability for diverse customer needs. Enhanced data connectivity between vehicles and external data such as route or delivery information will enable convenient operation of multiple vehicles as a software-defined fleet.
Various iterations of the PV5 will be available, including Basic, Van, High Roof and Chassis Cab versions. In the future, Kia also plans to introduce a Robotaxi model developed with Motional (a joint venture between the Hyundai Motor Group and Aptiv), which aims to provide a revolutionary autonomous hailing experience for passengers.
During Phase Two, Kia will add two other models, the PV7 and PV1, utilizing cabinet and frame systems to enhance interaction and connectivity among vehicles based on the modular concept.
The PV7 is the largest product in the lineup, defined by more interior space, greater driving range and enhanced functionalities, while the PV1 is the smallest product, optimized for agile and short-distance logistics transportation, using driving modules to minimize turning radius even in narrow spaces.
Over time, PBVs will evolve into AI-based mobility platforms that use data to interact with users and ensure that the vehicles are always up to date.
Designed to Make Users’ Lives Easier
Utilizing “Easy Swap” technology to flexibly address the various demands of customers, a single vehicle chassis can be used to fulfil multiple mobility needs. Behind a fixed cab, or “driver zone,” a variety of interchangeable upper bodies, or “life modules,” can be connected to the base vehicle via a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology, turning the PBV into a taxi during the day, to a delivery van at night, and a personal recreational vehicle on weekends.
Modularization is further made possible thanks to “Dynamic Hybrid” weldless body structure assembly, which enables the length of moveable members to be flexibly adjusted according to vehicle use purpose, Kia explained. Comprised of high-strength tubular steel and engineered polymers, typical parts are reduced by 55 percent with no loss in rigidity.
There are no unnecessary adornments, either, with each feature designed to serve a useful function making the lives of vehicle users easier, as demonstrated by the concepts unveiled at CES.
On each vehicle, large doors open out to reveal an exceptionally accommodating pillarless opening that provides effortless ingress and egress. Inside, the extended wheelbase and electric platform ensure wide, flat open spaces to offer near-endless stowage and usage possibilities. The driver's experience is also enhanced, as the cockpit provides a desk-like surface, and the steering wheel can be folded to serve as a desk lamp, creating an office-like environment.
Additionally, extensive use of materials such as bio plastic, Post Consumer Material (PCM) plastic, bio paint, recycled PET fabric, felt and yarns, as well as bio-PU foam not only limits environmental impact, but also delivers a unique visual and tactile appeal.
“Kia PBVs will initiate a new era of seamless everyday business and lifestyle solutions. We hope to make our customers’ lives easier and better, whether they’re stationary or on the move, offering exceptional flexibility and customization through radical modularization,” said Karim Habib, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia Global Design. “Untethered to any fixed place, and unbounded by the traditional restrictions of space, Kia PBVs offer users a blank canvas to reimagine their lifestyles and workstyles.”