Kia launches Platform Beyond Vehicle strategy
22 January, 2024
Kia revealed its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Kia’s PBV business will initially be based around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, previewed by the Kia Concept PV5. This future vision was presented alongside a multi-phase plan that will see PBVs revolutionise the mobility industry while helping to advance the company’s ambitions in robotics, advanced air mobility and autonomous driving.
Kia PBVs are a total mobility solution that combine fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software solutions. As a Platform Beyond Vehicle, Kia PBVs will open the door to new businesses and lifestyles by redefining the concept of space thanks to advanced, tailored interiors that provide ultimate freedom and flexibility.
Utilising Easy Swap technology to flexibly address the diverse demands of customers, a single vehicle chassis can be used to fulfil multiple mobility needs. Behind a fixed cab or driver zone, a variety of interchangeable upper bodies or modules can be connected to the base vehicle via a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology, turning the PBV into a taxi during the day, a delivery van at night and a personal recreational vehicle on weekends.
Modularisation is further made possible thanks to a body structure free from welds, which enables the length of movable members to be flexibly adjusted according to vehicle use purpose. Comprising of high-strength tubular steel and engineered polymers, typical parts are reduced by 55 percent with no loss in rigidity. Shipped in standardised, convenient kit form, Dynamic Hybrid technology will allow for quick and simple in-field transformation of a Kia PV5.
The design of Kia’s PBVs is inspired by robust, simple and clever tools and goes far beyond mere aesthetics. Kia’s primary mission is to ensure that the brand’s PBVs are simple and intuitive to operate and engage with, regardless of where, when or how they are used.
Each PBV shares a consistent quality of design that reflects its solid, robust nature. There are no unnecessary adornments, with each feature designed to serve a useful function.
On each vehicle, large doors open out to reveal an exceptionally accommodating pillarless opening that provides effortless ingress and egress. Inside the extended wheelbase and electric platform ensure wide, flat open spaces that offer near-endless stowage and usage possibilities. The driver’s experience is also enhanced, as the cockpit provides a desk-like surface and the steering wheel can be folded to serve as a desk lamp, creating an office-like environment.
While ensuring consistency in design across all vehicles, Kia will create an ecosystem that fosters interaction between PBVs. With extensive modularity, including the ability to share features across all vehicles, PBVs will enhance versatility, opening up limitless possibilities to cater to the needs of both businesses and individuals.
In line with phase one, various versions of the PV5 will be available, including Basic, Van, High Roof and Chassis Cab versions. An integrated rail system on the vehicle’s ceiling, floor and side panels as well as on the exterior, enables effortless customisation of the vehicle to meet individual customer needs. This system enables seamless transfer of goods and items between vehicles, using cabinets and frames. The rails within this ecosystem simplify the movement of items between vehicles, while the modular design of the tiles and functional accessories such as speakers and shelves, offers limitless flexibility for a wide range of scenarios.
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