Kia has returned to the CES exhibition after a 5-year absence and has just announced a new electric vehicle platform called Platform beyond Vehicles (PBV). Products using the platform are expected to start production in 2025, according to Reuters.
The special feature of this model line is PV5, the model will focus on corporate utilities such as pick-up and drop-off services, and other applications.
One of the most interesting things about PV5 is its flexibility with 4 different configurations. Customers can change the vehicle structure to have more space, replace the rear to switch to a pickup truck, and finally a taxi Configuring for passenger transport. The interior of the car is also designed to be completely flexible to support these changes.
Although Kia did not specifically mention self-driving capabilities, the company also said that it wanted to develop a Robotaxi PV5 to bring the autonomous car experience.
In addition to PV5, Kia also stockists two larger PV7 and smaller PV1 models that can work together. PV7 is the largest in this car line, providing a large interior space and the ability to move further, while PV1 is designed to be light and flexible for final delivery. Interestingly, there is a rail system that can connect both vehicles, helping vehicle owners easily transfer goods from large PV7 to small PV1.
There are not too many details about the PBVs moving from model to mass-produced vehicles yet, but Kia has begun building a separate PBV factory in Korea, with a plan to produce 150,000 vehicles by 2025. Therefore, it is likely that we will soon see the first PBVs on the road next year.
