In 2021, Kia introduced the ‘PBV’, a term which it said meant ‘Purpose-Built Vehicles’. These specialised vehicles were aimed at the business market and would be modular to allow flexible designs for a wide range of uses.
New meaning to PBV
At CES 2024 (the annual consumer electronics show in Las Vegas), the Korean carmaker presented five PBV concepts… but now, they seem to have changed ‘PBV’ to mean ‘Platform Beyond Vehicle’. However, the original idea of the PBV is still the same – customized vehicles and solutions catering to both businesses and now, individuals have also been included.
“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,” said Ho Sung Song, Kia President & CEO.
“Kia PBVs will be an enabler of business innovation, thanks to our customer-centric management system, EV mass production expertise, and the Hyundai Motor Group’s rapidly developing SDx strategy and related future businesses. We are excited to show that we are fully prepared to become the first mover in the global PBV market,” he added.
Multi-phase plan
This future vision was presented alongside a multi-phase plan that will see PBVs revolutionize the mobility industry while helping to advance Hyundai Motor Group’s ambitions in robotics, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and autonomous driving.
The five PBV concept models unveiled comprise three Concept PV5 derivatives, Concept PV7 and Concept PV1. They are part of a 3-phase PBV roadmap which Kia expects will transform the mobility landscape.
First PBV in 2025
Kia’s PBV business will initially be based around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, previewed by the Concept PV5 which will become a production model in 2025. This versatile EV will be 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. This emergence of customized business fleets and PBV-specific solutions means less downtime and enhanced cost-effectiveness.
Robust, simple and clever
The design of Kia’s PBVs is inspired by robust, simple and clever tools and goes far beyond mere aesthetics. Kia’s primary mission is to ensure that the brand’s PBVs are simple and intuitive to operate and engage with, regardless of where, when or how they are used.
Utilizing ‘Easy Swap’ technology to flexibly address the diverse 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 ‘life modules’ (interchangeable upper bodies) can be connected to the base vehicle via a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology. This can turn the PBV into a taxi during the day; to a delivery van at night; and a personal recreational vehicle on weekends.
Modularization for variations
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. Made up of high-strength tubular steel and engineered polymers, typical parts are reduced by 55% with no loss in rigidity.
Shipped in standardized, convenient kit form, Dynamic Hybrid technology will allow for the quick and simple in-field transformation of a PV5. The PBV platform thus offers users a ‘blank canvas’ to redefine how space and mobility can adapt to their needs by providing exceptional flexibility through radical modularity.
Whether the purpose of the vehicle is to transport people, move goods, or meet logistics or personal mobility needs, each PBV shares a consistent quality of design that reflects its solid, robust nature and projects a dependable and highly capable attitude. There are no unnecessary adornments, with each feature designed to serve a useful function which makes the lives of vehicle users easier.
New PBV-dedicated plant
Kia is taking significant steps to meet the diverse demands of customers by constructing a PBV-dedicated EVO plant in Autoland Hwaseong, Korea. This factory will implement a hybrid production approach, combining conveyor and cell-based methods.
Through collaboration with global conversion partners, it will be possible to offer conversion models for various PBV line-ups, catering to different customer preferences. The factory is set to become operational in 2025 with an annual capacity of 150,000 units.
The launch of Kia’s PBV business will see the brand commit to providing a varied range of customized vehicle types to meet customers’ individual requirements. Determined to overcome all existing restrictive and one-dimensional industry product line-up offerings, Kia believes its new approach with PBVs can help solve the mobility challenges encountered by individuals and organizations with limited transportation options.
