As early as next year, Kia could launch a range of electric vans with swappable bodywork with a focus on customization. However, on the show floor at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, Kia revealed that its midsize van could be offered as a concept pickup truck. If it goes into production, it could be the most important electric pickup since the Ford F-150 Lightning.
The pickup could be offered as part of Kia's PBV electric van program, about which little technical information has been revealed so far. However, Kia CEO Ho Sung Song confirmed at CES that the mid-size PV5 models will target a starting price of around $35,000 and will enter production in 2025. This price is likely for chassis cabs only and not the more complete body styles. The managing director also emphasized that a pickup variant is not set in stone and that the presentation of a concept for it does not mean that a truck is coming.
“The PV5 pickup is not repaired yet,” Ho Sung Song told The Drive. “This is just an example of a model based on the chassis cab model. The pickup is just one of these variants of the PV5 chassis cab model. It’s not decided yet, but we can try.”
Kia's CES 2024 presentation with PV5 concepts. Chris Tsui
However, Kia has already confirmed that it will launch two electric pickup trucks within the next three years. One will be a cheaper model for “developing” markets and the other will be a dedicated pickup truck, probably more in the style of what Americans know and love. Admittedly, the PV5 doesn't seem to fit both molds, although there's a lot of good things to be said about its unconventional design.
For example, the shorter nose means more of the wheelbase is reserved for the cab and cargo area, increasing utility. The modular design also means the bed is not required for full-time use and can be swapped for a closed van body or passenger cabin if required. Even the cab design would be unique among electric trucks.
It's like a Canoo wouldn't be so clumsy, let alone believable. And at a price that's about $20,000 cheaper than a Ford F-150 Lightning, it's relatively affordable too. Heck, smaller vehicles have their place in America too, especially those that are electric.
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