Kia has revealed rather more about its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) technique for offering modular autos for last-mile supply and different makes use of, probably across the globe. And with the in depth replace, on Monday at CES in Las Vegas, it additionally offered a glimpse of the primary a number of PBV merchandise which can be basically completely different twists on electrical vans.
With EVs supposed for work and fleet makes use of, it’s planning to launch a complete new devoted PBV enterprise that can oversee the merchandise, software program integration, and international partnerships. That will embody international conversion (upfit) companions.
While it’s already testing a few of these concepts with the taxi-focused Niro Plus in South Korea, the primary manufacturing step is Kia’s devoted PBV manufacturing facility, because of begin manufacturing in 2025 set to make as much as 150,000 autos yearly. They’ll be a rising and vital piece as Kia targets gross sales of 1.6 million EVs globally by 2030, with the PBV merchandise together with a robotaxi and autonomous-capable ride-hailing automobile.
It kicks off with the Kia PV5, a flexible, van-like automobile positioned for ride-hailing and last-mile supply. In the PV5, a pillarless door opening and low loading peak support entry for a cargo and passengers alike.
Kia PBV Concepts
EVs that look past the skateboard platform?
The manner these autos are structured and constructed could be the largest departure from typical EVs and at present’s fleet autos alike, as there’s no point out of a spotlight round a skateboard platform. To match a method of utilizing a single automobile chassis design to suit a complete vary of wants, these autos would have comparable “driver zone” areas, whereas completely different purpose-built our bodies would join above and behind.
Further, the corporate claims that interchangeable “upper-body “life modules” will be related “via a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology”—in order to successfully use the identical chassis for a taxi by day, supply automobile by evening, and private leisure automobile by weekend.
The construction beneath the PBV is weldless, in keeping with Kia, which permits quite a lot of flexibility in adjustment. Shipment in part equipment kind would assist permit completely different layouts relying on the area or function—which may relate to items, private mobility, or logistics.
![Kia PV5 Concept Kia PV5 Concept](https://i0.wp.com/images.hgmsites.net/lrg/kia-pv5-concept_100913301_l.webp?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
Kia PV5 Concept
Robotaxi, tall vans, room for customized builds
Kia does plan to make 5 bodily outlined variations of the PV5: Basic (huge double doorways for cargo), Van (low with maximized peak), High Roof (prolonged for upright loading and driver workspace), Robotaxi (passenger-oriented, operated with Motional), and Chassis Cab (solely chassis rails and cab, permitting customized physique).
Extending the imaginative and prescient effectively past the PV5, Kia revealed a three-phase roadmap that “can help transform the mobility landscape.” With it, the automaker guarantees extra fashions, superior software program, and bespoke providers.
In a second section, Kia claims that the PBVs would evolve into “AI-based mobility platforms that use data to interact with users and help keep vehicles updated.”
Also as a part of section two, Kia plans so as to add a bigger PV7 product line, in addition to its smallest PV1, with the latter designed “for agile and short-distance logistics transportation.”
![Kia PV1 Concept and PV5 Concept Kia PV1 Concept and PV5 Concept](https://i0.wp.com/images.hgmsites.net/lrg/kia-pv1-concept-and-pv5-concept_100913292_l.webp?resize=640%2C427&ssl=1)
Kia PV1 Concept and PV5 Concept
PV1 shall be a maneuverability grasp
The PV1, Kia suggests, shall be able to utilizing its drive modules of minimizing the turning radius in slim areas—a touch, maybe, that it would put one thing just like the lately proven Uni Wheel tech or Hyundai Mobis’ e-Corner in-wheel motor setup to make use of.
These fashions may get an built-in rail system, with “rails” for the ceiling, flooring, and aspect panels permitting much more flexibility.
Software is a giant piece of the PBV rollout, too. Kia will assist present fleet administration, stock monitoring, and efficiency-focused clever route planning, whereas charging options from the corporate will incorporate schedules and breaks as specified for various wants.
The firm at CES additionally displayed its Concept EV3 hatchback and Concept EV4 sedan fashions alongside the manufacturing EV6 GT and EV9 fashions—once more cementing the concept a type of smaller EVs is U.S.-bound.
Source: www.greencarreports.com