- The Kia PV5 Cargo sets a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM for electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs)
- The model travelled 693.38 km (430.84 mi) on a single charge while carrying its maximum payload
- The achievement highlights the efficiency, flexibility, and real-world practicality of Kia’s first Platform Beyond Vehicle
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, November 3, 2025: Kia has made history, setting a new global benchmark for all-electric range (AER). The Kia PV5 Cargo, the company’s first dedicated electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) and part of its pioneering Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) line-up, has officially broke a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ title for achieving:
“The greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload[1] on a single charge is 693.38 km (430.84 mi)”.
The PV5 Cargo Long Range 4-door variant, featuring a 71.2 kWh battery, was utilized for the trial with its maximum authorized payload of 665kg[2]. The model covered 693.38 km on a single charge, setting a new benchmark for efficiency and endurance in the eLCV segment. The record-breaking drive took place on 30 September 2025 under authentic, real-world conditions on public roads north of Frankfurt, Germany.
“The Guinness World Record achieved by the PV5 Cargo is a milestone that embodies Kia’s vision of creating mobility solutions that go beyond transportation,” said Ho Sung Song, President and CEO, Kia Corporation. “This remarkable accomplishment proves that our Platform Beyond Vehicle is not only innovative in concept but also practical and efficient in the real world.”
AER record proves the Kia PV5’s everyday practicality
The record route was carefully designed to replicate the daily realities of delivery and logistics operations. Over a 58.2 km urban and extra-urban loop, the PV5 Cargo faced traffic lights, intersections, roundabouts, and typical city traffic mirroring the conditions most fleet drivers encounter every day. On top of this, the van repeatedly tackled an elevation gain of approximately 370 m, completing the loop 12 times while carrying its full payload, and finally coming to a stop within the twelfth loop. These demanding conditions highlight the PV5 Cargo’s exceptional efficiency and reliability, making it an outstanding companion for sustainable urban mobility.
The heroes behind the wheel
At the wheel of the record-setting PV5 were George Barrow, a respected commercial vehicle journalist who specializes in vans and Christopher Nigemeier, a senior engineer at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC). The award-winning journalist has more than 15 years of experience covering LCVs. He has also been on the jury of International Van of the Year (IVOTY) Award since 2016, representing the UK. Nigemeier, holds degrees in mechanical engineering and has been part of the PV5 development team.
“I’m genuinely excited to have been part of this incredible GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ title, it was a demanding but unforgettable journey,” said Barrow. “I was seriously impressed by how far the Kia PV5 can go: more than 690 km on a single charge and with a full payload. That’s no small feat, and I have a feeling this record won’t be easy to beat! The PV5 and Christopher were great teammates for this challenge, and I’m proud to have been part of a record that pushes the boundaries for electric vans.”
“As an engineer, this challenge was both technical and personal,” said Christopher Nigemeier, Senior Engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center. “George brought an incredible amount of driving experience from testing other vans, while I had the advantage of knowing the PV5’s powertrain inside out. It became a friendly competition between us who could squeeze the most out of each kilowatt-hour. In the end, it was the vehicle itself that impressed us both.”
The record attempt was meticulously prepared. Inspectors from TÜV Hessen and buck Vermessung supervised the loading process and verified compliance with weight specifications. The drive was continuously recorded using GPS tracking and in-cabin cameras. Before departure, the PV5’s battery was charged to 100% and both the charging port and cargo compartment were sealed until the end of the 22-hour, 30-minute journey.
The first member of Kia’s flexible PBV family
As the inaugural model in Kia’s PBV family, the PV5 is built on the innovative Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S) architecture and designed with a modular “building block” concept. This flexibility allows for multiple configurations — Cargo, Passenger, Chassis Cab and Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle to suit a wide range of commercial and personal applications.
The PV5 Cargo variant offers up to 4.4 m3 of load space and a payload capacity of up to 790 kg[3]. Customers can choose from several battery options 51.5 kWh, 71.2 kWh and a forthcoming 43.3 kWh tailored to their operational needs.
“This record demonstrates the outstanding efficiency and reliability built into the PV5,” said Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of PBV Division at Kia Corporation. “By combining long-range capability with real-world practicality, Kia PBVs are designed to empower businesses and individuals with smarter, more sustainable mobility solutions that enhance everyday productivity.”
With this Guinness World Record, Kia underscores its ongoing commitment to developing innovative, efficient, and practical solutions for the mobility of tomorrow. The record-breaking Kia PV5 Cargo will be on display at the Solutrans Tradeshow in Lyon (EurExpo) from 18 November 2025, Hall 5, Booth C130.
The Kia PV5 Cargo technical specifications
| Variant | L2H1 | ||
| Platform | Electric-Global Modular Platform for Service (E-GMP.S) | ||
| Length (mm) | 4,695 | ||
| Width[4] (mm) | 1,895 | ||
| Height (mm) | 1,899 w/o antenna[5] | ||
| Wheelbase (mm) | 2,995 | ||
| Battery (kWh) | 51.5 | 71.2 | |
| Power (kW)[6] | 89.4 | 120 | |
| Range (km, WLTP) | 416 (with 71.2kWh battery) | ||
| Charging (H:min) | DC fast charging (10-80%) | 0:30 | |
| 11 kW AC charging (10-100%) | 4:45 | 6:30 | |
| Tyres | 215/65R16 | ||
| 0-100 km/h (seconds, w/ 71.2-kWH battery) | 12.4 | ||
| Turning radius (m) | 5.5 | ||
| Cargo space (m3) | 4.4 | ||
| Total mass (kg) | 2,650kg (for all variants) | ||
| Payload (kg) | 790 (3-door) / 745 (4-door) | 690 (3-door) / 665 (4-door) | |
| Convenience features | Heated/Ventilated DR/PR seats, heated steering, multiple cabin storage compartments, V2L in cargo area, floor lashing points, Surround View Monitor | ||
| ADAS | Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 1.5, Navigation-based Smart Cruise Control, and Lane Following Assist 2 with Hands-On Detection | ||
※ Specifications are based on the European model and may vary by market.
Kia Corporation – about us
Kia (www.kia.com) is a global mobility brand with a vision to create sustainable mobility solutions for consumers, communities, and societies around the world. Founded in 1944, Kia has been providing mobility solutions for more than 80 years. With 52,000 employees worldwide, a presence in more than 190 markets, and manufacturing facilities in six countries, the company today sells around three million vehicles a year. Kia is spearheading the popularization of electrified and battery electric vehicles and developing a growing range of mobility services, encouraging millions of people around the world to explore the best ways of getting around. The company’s brand slogan – ‘Movement that inspires’ – reflects Kia’s commitment to inspire consumers through its products and services.
For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com
About Guiness World Records
What’s the fastest game bird in Europe? This was the question that inspired the founding of Guinness World Records back in 1955. Starting with a single book published from a room above a gym, GWR has grown to become a global multi-media brand, with offices in London, New York, Beijing, Tokyo and Dubai. Today, we deliver world-class content, not just through books, but via TV shows, social media and live events. Our in-house consultancy works closely with brands and businesses around the world to harness the power of record-breaking and deliver award-winning campaigns and business solutions.
Through our in-house production arm, GWR Studios, we create standout content for broadcasters, brand partners and digital platforms. Our Entertainment Services division brings the best of the GWR brand to life in a diverse range of live experiences where visitors can discover and even attempt official world records. Whatever the medium, our ultimate purpose is to make the world a more interesting, fun and positive place. To join this record-breaking community – and find out the answer to that original question – visit http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/.
About TüV Hessen
TÜV Hessen stands for the safety and sustainability of products, plants and services and the safe interaction of people, technology and the environment. In technical testing and certification, TÜV Hessen is the market leader in Hesse, but also in demand throughout Germany and internationally successful. TÜV Hessen has more than 60 locations in Hesse and branches in four other German states. With their comprehensive expertise, many years of experience and high service quality, around 1,350 highly qualified employees are valuable partners – for both business and private customers.
TÜV Hessen offers around 220 TÜV® services in the Auto Service, Industrial Service, Real Estate, Life Service and Management Systems Business Streams. With the added value provided by our globally recognized, high-quality certificates and quality seals, our customers’ products and services gain a clear competitive edge. TÜV Hessen is an associated company of TÜV SÜD AG (55 percent) and the State of Hesse (45 percent) and generated sales of around 171 million euros in 2021. Information and contacts at www.tuev-hessen.de
About buck Vermessung
buck Vermessung is one of Germany’s leading surveying companies, with more than 39 years of experience and offices in Kassel and Frankfurt am Main. Our team of over 70 experts provides comprehensive surveying services, including cadastral and engineering surveys, 3D laser scanning, drone surveying, and BIM-based solutions. As publicly appointed surveyors (ÖbVI), we are authorized to perform official cadastral surveys and deliver legally binding reports. Combining cutting-edge technology with precision and transparency, we are a trusted partner for developers, municipalities, architects, and private clients. For more information, visit: www.buck-vermessung.de
[1] The on-site measurement of the fully loaded test vehicle, the PV5 Cargo Long Range, was 2,652 kg (verified by TüV Hessen), with an allowable weight scale deviation of ±4 kg.
[2] Maximum payloads (based on the PV5 Cargo European model): 790 kg (3-door, 51.2 kWh), 690 kg (3-door, 71.2 kWh), 745 kg (4-door, 51.2 kWh), and 665 kg (4-door, 71.2 kWh).
[3] The Kia PV5 Cargo offers 4.4 m3 of cargo space in its L2H1 configuration. The L2H2 configuration, which will be launched next year, will offer more capacity.
[4] The wheel arch length for both the Passenger and Cargo variants is 1,850 mm.
[5] The vehicle height is 1,923m with the antenna based on the European model. Dimensions may vary by market.
[6] Motor output specifications may vary depending on the battery specification.