The Kia PV5 Cargo Guinness World Record marks a major milestone in the evolution of electric light commercial vehicles. Travelling an impressive 693.38 kilometres (430.84 miles) on a single charge while fully loaded, the PV5 Cargo has set a new global benchmark for electric van performance and practicality.
A Historic Achievement for Kia
On September 30, 2025, the Kia PV5 Cargo L2H1 71.2kWh completed its record-breaking run on public roads north of Frankfurt, Germany. Under official supervision, it covered 693.38km on one charge, earning a Guinness World Record for the greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload.
The event was overseen by TÜV Hessen inspectors and verified through GPS tracking and sealed charging ports, ensuring the integrity of the record. The PV5 carried its full payload throughout the 22-hour, 30-minute drive, demonstrating the vehicle’s exceptional endurance and energy management.
Real-World Efficiency and Everyday Practicality
The record route was designed to simulate real delivery conditions, including intersections, traffic lights, and elevation changes. The 58.2km loop was repeated twelve times, with a total elevation gain of 370 metres. Despite the demanding conditions, the PV5 Cargo maintained remarkable efficiency.
Kia’s engineering team optimized the model to maintain stability and range even when loaded. Tests showed that adding 100kg of cargo reduces range by only 1.5%, reinforcing the van’s dependability for commercial use.
Powertrain and Performance
The PV5 Cargo is equipped with a 71.2kWh battery and an advanced electric powertrain developed under Kia’s new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) program. Built on the E-GMP.S modular architecture, it delivers a combination of long-range capability, payload strength, and responsive performance suitable for both urban and intercity routes.
Offering up to 4.4m³ of cargo space and a payload capacity of up to 790kg, the PV5 is available with either 51.5kWh or 71.2kWh battery options. This versatility allows operators to tailor performance to their business needs without compromising practicality or efficiency.
The Drivers Behind the Record
Behind the wheel were George Barrow, a veteran commercial vehicle journalist, and Christopher Nigemeier, a senior engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center. Barrow praised the van’s efficiency, calling it “a remarkable achievement that pushes the limits of electric mobility.” Nigemeier highlighted the technical precision of the run, emphasizing how each kilowatt-hour was optimized to achieve maximum distance.
A Step Forward in Kia’s Electric Journey
As the first member of Kia’s PBV lineup, the PV5 represents a significant step toward the brand’s vision of flexible and sustainable transport. The modular “building block” design supports multiple configurations, including Cargo, Passenger, Crew Van, and Camper variants, adapting easily to diverse commercial and personal uses.
This record underscores Kia’s commitment to developing electric vehicles that combine innovation, endurance, and everyday usability. The PV5 Cargo’s achievement reaffirms its potential to redefine the electric light commercial vehicle segment.
Summary
The Kia PV5 Cargo’s Guinness World Record is more than a technical milestone , it is proof of the practicality and reliability of next-generation electric vans. With its long-range capability, robust design, and modular flexibility, the PV5 stands as a strong example of Kia’s progress in sustainable mobility. The record-breaking model will be showcased at the Solutrans Tradeshow in Lyon, France, from November 18, 2025.
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Source: Kia
