By Gary S. Vasilash

While some people may continue to associate Kia with small(ish) vehicles—sedans and CUVs—the company has not only transformed itself into a leader when it comes to styling, but it has increased the size of what it has on offer.

An excellent example of this change is its EV9, which is not merely an electric vehicle, but a three-row EV. While you can find three-row crossovers at your local Ford (Explorer) and Chevy (Traverse), you can’t find a model with an electric propulsion system.

(And it is worth noting that the EV9, in its debut year, bested an array of other crossovers to be named the North American Utility Vehicle of the Year by NACTOY, no small feat.)

But even those who are familiar with the Kia lineup were undoubtedly taken by surprise at this year’s CES when the company introduced its “Platform Beyond Vehicle” (PBV) strategy, which is predicated on purpose-built EVs that are essentially commercial vehicles. (Which explains why it is showing off two of its PBV concepts—the PV5 and the PV7—at the Work Truck Week event that is occurring this week in Indianapolis.)

While commercial vehicles of the configuration of the Kias are common (though the styling of the Kias are uncommon), what’s interesting is that the company is proposing that there is a driver’s fixed cab on a platform and behind it a flat surface upon which upper bodies can be attached, depending on the use case.

Again, putting different boxes on the back of truck chassis is common, but Kia is proposing the “life modules” are attached with hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling such that they can be readily replaced to take on different tasks.

Steve Center, COO and EVP of Kia America, said of the PBV approach: “Kia’s exciting foray into this important segment of the overall industry represents our steadfast commitment to the electrification of transportation and aligns perfectly with our Plan S strategy to become a global leader in sustainable mobility.”

Mobility that goes beyond moving people.

While still concepts, the company says the PV5 could hit the U.S. market in 2026.

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