Electric Cars Hungary: Pioneer EV on Roads – Tech-Science Index

Kia has taken a serious step in the market of electric commercial vehicles, because at the beginning of 2026, in Hungary – more precisely in a pizzeria in Szentendre – the brand’s first electric van, specially developed for this purpose, the PV5, was presented. The model is not just another electric light commercial vehicle, but the first tangible element of Kia’s completely new PBV strategy, which aims to convert the entire commercial vehicle range to electric in the long term.

The essence of the PBV, or Platform Beyond Vehicle, concept is its modular structure and versatile usability. The PV5 was designed from the outset in such a way that it can be easily configured with various superstructures, in goods transport and passenger transport designs, as well as tailored for special tasks. This approach reflects Kia’s intention: not simply to offer an electric alternative, but to put urban and suburban mobility on a completely new footing.

At the event, Norbert Nagy, the CEO of Kia Hungary, spoke comprehensively about the brand’s strategy and the technical parameters of the presented PV5 – precisely revealed, since it covered the presentation van for quite some time – while Sebestyén Marcell, the car’s senior exterior designer, spoke about the exterior design, and Dániel Róka, the product designer of the PV5, spoke about interior and strategic issues.

For hard workers

The external appearance immediately emphasizes the new direction, because the shape of the PV5 is considered by many to be futuristic, to others it is rather surprising, and it is not by chance that the nickname “box UFO” stuck to it. However, the unusual design is not an end in itself: aerodynamic solutions and streamlined details specifically serve efficiency, which in the case of an electric van is a key issue in terms of range. Sebestyén is Marcell

Regarding the technical basics, the PV5 is based entirely on electric drive, with several battery versions (a long-range 71.2 kilowatt-hour version with a range of 416 kilometers, a mid-range 51.5 kilowatt-hour version with a range of 291 kilometers and a standard-range 43.3 kilowatt-hour version, which is still being tested to see how long it can last). The smaller and medium-capacity packages are primarily ideal for urban and suburban use, while the version with the largest battery already offers a WLTP range of over four hundred kilometers. The performance of the electric motor driving the front wheels is more than sufficient for everyday goods transport tasks, while the noise-free operation and direct throttle response raise the driving experience to a new level in this category.

Kia’s novelty also makes serious arguments in terms of practicality. The cargo version’s low loading rim (only 41.9 centimeters) and spacious cargo space (4.4 cubic meters) make everyday work easier, especially for courier services, small businesses or city fleets. The almost three-meter wheelbase (2,995 millimeters) results in a stable road surface and a well-usable interior space, while the external dimensions remain manageable in the crowded downtown environment. Its turning radius is only 5.5 meters.

Norbert Nagy emphasized that he can imagine this version mainly for workers who deal with electrical installation, welding technology, air conditioning installation, since the cargo space was directly designed in such a way that it can be fully integrated with shelves and compartments. But, of course, smooth delivery of goods also in the case of – as for example with Szabi, the baker, who tested the car some time ago as part of a collaboration and then received the test copy “forever” at the opening – the cargo area with a plastic base can absorb an amazing amount of boxes. By the way, plastic is a feature of the interior design everywhere, we find it almost everywhere in the car, so it’s nothing fancy, only and only usefulness and functionality came to the fore in the design of the interior spaces.

Let’s test it

The passenger version of the PV5 (Passenger) addresses a different target audience, but is based on the same foundation. The clean, modern passenger compartment awaits passengers with digital displays and practical storage solutions, and the flat floor and variable seating arrangement facilitate family or shuttle use. Kia clearly wanted the user to experience the benefits of electric drive not as a compromise, but as a tangible value.

During the twenty-minute test, we had the opportunity to drive the cargo version a little on the roads and roads of Szentendre, and the driving experience was more than encouraging. There was plenty of space – storage compartments in each door, in the middle, under the seat, hidden in the floor – comfortable elbow rests and an extremely comfortable, soft steering wheel welcome us in the first round. In the second round, it appears that the typical dashboard is a thing of the past, not only is there a huge monitor in the middle (12.9 inches), but the dashboard has also been replaced by a smaller digital instrument unit (7.5 inches), which may seem strange at first – especially for a “working” car – but you get used to it in three minutes.

Although the cargo space can be loaded up to 790 kilograms, we took the car empty for a spin, which clearly pulled when we stepped a little closer to it, the medium-sized version has 121 horsepower and 250 newton meters, which is more than enough in the city. By the way, CATL batteries are 400 volts, they can be charged with 11 kilowatts on AC (for now) and 150 kilowatts on DC, so they can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in just 30 minutes. The PV7 arriving in 2027 is already 800 volts, and the PV9 arriving in 2029 will arrive with even greater technology.

And the three modes (eco, normal, snow) serve you well, as eco immediately switches everything to the lowest energy consumption, and snow mode makes driving easier in harsh weather conditions. Another interesting thing is the double-walled glass, which easily filters out most of the noise that filters into the driver’s cabin, so when we turned on the built-in navigation and it started talking, we almost jumped out of the seat, we were so scared that someone was leaning in through the window.

The future is already here

The prices in Hungary also show that Kia takes market competition seriously. The goods-carrying PV5 Cargo version with the medium battery is available from HUF 16.1 million, and the larger one from HUF 17.7 million, with a state subsidy of up to HUF 3.8 million available. The passenger version is somewhat more expensive, at HUF 16.6 million, but in terms of its equipment and technical content, it is also a competitive offer, especially considering the possible state subsidy of HUF 4 million.

which is a serious professional confirmation in the case of a completely new construction. An even more spectacular result is the Guinness record, which it set during a European test: the distance of nearly seven hundred kilometers (693.38 kilometers) covered with maximum load clearly shows that, under the right conditions, the electric drive can be surprisingly powerful even in the world of commercial vehicles.

It should also be noted that Kia provides a general warranty of 7 years and 150 kilometers, and the battery for 8 years and 160,000 kilometers. The planned journey of the body is 600,000 kilometers, which is really a fair offer on the market.

Overall, the Kia PV5 is much more than a new electric van. It is the first piece of a strategy that wants to reshape the world of commercial vehicles in the same way as we can already see it with passenger cars. With the presentation in Hungary, Kia sent a clear message that the electric transition is not the distant future, but is already here in a tangible form on the domestic market.

(Cover photo: KIA PV5 electric van presentation on January 22, 2026. Photo: Bence Tövissi / Index)

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