![](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/kia-pv5.jpeg?w=600)
Kia is following up on a powerful 12 months for electrical passenger autos by sharing what it desires to do for corporations trying to transition to electrical autos. At CES 2024, the Korean automaker simply unveiled an upcoming lineup of electrical vans, vans, ride-hailing autos, and last-mile supply autos, all of which might be constructed on a brand new modular platform.
And it seems to be like she already has her first shopper. The corporate introduced throughout Monday’s press convention that it has fashioned a world partnership with Uber, based on Pierre-Martin Bosse, vice chairman of Kia’s new PVB enterprise division.
Not solely will the fundamental electrical powertrain be modular — just like different skateboard-style designs which have grow to be in style all through the business — however the tops of those autos might be as nicely. What this seems to be like in apply, based on Kia, are autos with a set driver’s cab by which the remainder of the cabin will be swapped out.
![Kia Commercial Van EV PBV lineup](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/kia-pv-lineup.jpeg?w=300)
Kia PBV lineup. Picture credit: Come right here
These cabins (Kia calls them “life modules”) connect with the chassis utilizing each mechanical couplings and electromagnets, although Kia has been gentle on particulars about how this works.
Kia has been gentle on specs, however has stated it’s constructing a devoted manufacturing plant in South Korea that it claims might be operational in 2025. Kia expects its annual capability to succeed in 150,000 autos however has stated this might develop to 300,000 globally. .
![Kia PV5 electric concept at CES 2024](https://techcrunch.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/kia-pv5-electric-concept.jpg?w=300)
Picture credit: Kirsten Korosek
The primary mannequin to be constructed would be the Kia PV5, a futuristic-designed three-row van scheduled to hit the highway in 2025 with a price ticket of round $35,000. Kia additionally confirmed off renders of a bigger model (PV7) due in 2027 and a smaller, extra compact Sensible Automotive choice (PV1). The corporate shared that it plans to launch a robotaxi model in 2028, and that autos constructed on the platform might finally be out there to atypical customers.
The autos look is stark and considerably utilitarian. None of them are remotely lovable like sister firm Hyundai’s Staria van. Design-wise, it isn’t all that totally different from what struggling electrical car startup Canoo has spent the previous few years promising to ship on a big scale. Hyundai and Canoo as soon as shared a partnership that was abruptly known as off by the EV startup’s CEO, who made obscure hints on the time about defending his firm’s mental property.
This put up has been up to date with particulars from Kia’s CES 2024 press convention.