CES 2024: Kia Debuts PV5 Platform To Pursue Their Vision Of A Free Future
This year at CES 2024, Kia introduced its new modular electric vehicle platform named Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV), which takes aim at effectively serving businesses and the rideshare commutes. The base vehicle, which all the PBVs will be based on, is the PV5, a skateboard platform that allows flexibility and versatility for format alterations. Kia plans to roll out the vehicles that the PBV underpins in 3 phases. The first phase is to develop the PV5 for business fleets. Its goals are to reduce business downtime and to reduce operating costs. The second phase is to provide AI for lifestyle users. Finally, the last phase is to create lifestyle solutions through redefined concepts.
The base vehicle in which the PBV underpins is the PV5. Subsequently, the much larger PV7 and the smallest PV1 will be developed and all three models are designed to work together seamlessly. Kia’s goal is to offer flexibility and versatility through the PBV. Therefore, aside from business solutions, Kia wants the concept of mobility to be champions for people who require accommodations like wheelchair access during transportation. The interior of the vehicles feature tremendous amounts of engineering breakthroughs to achieve this, while remaining quite simple to alter in the manufacturing process. The sliding doors open wide to aid in ingress and egress. The seats can all fold out of the way, allowing for a wide access when loading humans in wheelchairs. The steering wheel also folds up and out of the way to allow a bigger space for the driver to use for work. It actually lights up into a desk lamp.
Extensive modularization allows for a variety of customization options for many use cases that Kia is banking on to shape the future into their vision of the world. There is the PV5, which is a basic cargo or passenger van. The PV5 also comes in a high roof configuration, allowing the user to stand up straight while inside the cargo area. The bodies of the PV5 are interchangeable so that the PV5 can fulfill the role for transportation of smaller items. And finally, the PV5-R, which is Kia’s solution to solving autonomous taxis, nicknamed Robotaxi, will be partnered with Uber and CES for operation in the near future. The PBV’s skateboard platform allows the platform to be scaled accordingly to users' needs. That means that the vehicle can be changed from a delivery vehicle to a camper or even a home office solution.
A PV1 unpacking a load from another PBV
Freedom is the ideal future Kia sees with the PBV.
The PV7 is the largest cargo van of the lineup and offers the greatest range. It is designed for long haul travels and is the most capable in all use cases. The PV1 is the smallest of them all and Kia has designed this to be a complimentary vehicle to the PV7 based on their press material. It is designed for agility, and short distance logistic transportation for the urban environment. Kia is offering a seamless integration of all 3 models by having the ability to offload items from the bigger PV7 into the PV1 for the last mile delivery solution. This is achieved by providing a floor integrated rail system, which allows the transfer of cargo from one vehicle to another. Kia’s main goal is to have the interior and exterior of the vehicle adapt and customized to the users personal needs. The modular tiles have accessories for speakers and shelving that provides flexibility for any scenario.
In a dream scenario, the Korean giant showcased a utopian society where a PBV unit could be dropped off anywhere at anytime. A PBV could house your home couch while you watch television on the road self-driving. Another one could be driving a person to work as they’re on a video call behind their office desk as the PBV scales the wall of their skyscraper building. Freedom is the ideal future Kia sees with the PBV.
The software capability of Kia’s PBV allows seamless integration of all elements of the vehicle. Updated software and features is done by over-the-air updates. Fleet management solutions provides management of multiple Kia PBVs by monitoring inventory in the van and adjusting temperature based on the cargo carried. The maintenance is determined by software and is based on driving patterns and habits. This results in lower operation costs and reduced downtime. The PBV will also feature Kia’s VTL, or Vehicle to Load platform, to allow users to use their vehicle as a battery pack to charge or power virtually anything.
Kia has dedicated a PBV Evo plant in Korea and plans to deliver 150,000 units by 2025 and 300,000 units every year after. The main purpose of Kia’s PBV is to provide a blank canvas to redefine and reimagine peoples’ lifestyles so that they may personalize their spaces.
Ben
The complex integration of buildings and automobiles always intrigued Ben. So much so that he dedicated his life to further his knowledge of technological development in building design. Whether he’s on a job site with new homes or in a studio designing a home, Ben understands the smarts required inside a home.