Kia Reveals Plans for Electric Pickup Truck at CES
During this year’s Consumer Electronics Show, Kia unveiled plans for a potential electric pickup truck as part of its PBV electric van program. The midsize van, known as the PV5, was showcased with a concept render of a pickup truck, hinting at the possibility of expanding its offerings to include a pickup variant.
Kia CEO Ho Sung Song confirmed that the midsize PV5 models are projected to have a starting price of around $35,000 and are expected to enter production in 2025. However, Song emphasized that the pickup variant is not set in stone and showing a concept does not guarantee that a truck will make it to production.
“The PV5 pickup truck is not fixed yet,” Song told The Drive. “This is just one example of a model based on the chassis cab model. The pickup is just one of these varieties of the PV5 chassis cab model. It’s not fixed yet, but we can try.”
Kia also confirmed its plans to launch two electric pickups in the next three years, with one targeting developing markets and the other being a dedicated pickup model. The PV5, however, does not seem to fit into either category, but its unconventional design has garnered attention.
The PV5 features a shorter nose, allowing for more of its wheelbase to be dedicated to the cab and bed, enhancing utility. Its modular construction allows for the bed to be swapped for an enclosed van body or passenger cabin as needed, offering versatility to users. The cab-over styling also sets it apart from other electric trucks.
The potential price point for the PV5 pickup, at around $20,000 cheaper than a Ford F-150 Lightning, makes it a relatively affordable option. Despite its smaller bed, midsize electric trucks, especially at a lower price point, could find a place in the market.
While the PV5 pickup truck is still in concept stages, Kia’s announcement has piqued interest and generated excitement about the potential for a new player in the electric pickup truck market. Stay tuned for further updates as Kia continues to develop its electric vehicle lineup.