Kia’s PV5 Cargo range gets a brand-new model and upgraded specification

Kia’s electric van line-up continues to grow, with the updated PV5 Cargo range now on sale in the UK, including a brand-new entry-level model, the Cargo L1/H1.

The PV5 has already made a big impact since arriving late last year, picking up a string of awards and even setting a Guinness World Record for the longest distance travelled by a light-duty electric van on a single charge. The latest updates to the model range build on that momentum, adding more choice, more comfort and more practicality for businesses looking to make the switch to electric.

New Cargo L1/H1 model - including special Gateway2Lease deal

The headline addition is the new Cargo L1/H1, a shorter, more compact version of the PV5 designed specifically for dense urban environments.

Measuring 200mm shorter than the existing L2/H1, making it easier to thread through tight streets and height-restricted loading bays, it still offers over four cubic metres of usable load space. Despite its smaller footprint, the L1/H1 actually increases payload slightly, with up to 800kg available on the Standard Range Essential model.

That balance of manoeuvrability and capacity will appeal to city-based operators, delivery fleets and trades who spend most of their day navigating busy urban routes.

Powertrain options mirror the rest of the PV5 Cargo line-up, with a choice of Standard Range 51.5kWh or Long Range 71.2kWh batteries. The more powerful version delivers up to 243 miles of range, while the Standard Range offers up to 177 miles, which should be more than enough for typical multi-stop urban work.

From launch, the new L1/H1 variant comes with a two-seat layout, with a three-seat option due to arrive early next year. As with the wider PV5 range, you can still choose between Essential and Plus grades as well.

Improvements introduced across the PV5 Cargo range

Alongside the new model, Kia has also introduced a series of updates across the rest of the PV5 Cargo range.

Driver comfort takes a noticeable step forward thanks to standard lumbar support and a height-adjustable armrest on two-seat versions. Cabin refinement improves with a new composite bulkhead, and the three-seat layout becomes standard on the L2/H1, with two seats available as a no-cost alternative.

A redesigned slimline roof antenna also lowers the van’s overall height to under 1.9 metres, making it easier to access multi-storey car parks and underground loading areas.

Pricing for the updated PV5 Cargo range now starts from £27,355 plus VAT for the new L1/H1 in Essential trim with the Standard Range battery. Crucially, every PV5 Cargo also qualifies for the Government’s Zero-Emission Van Grant to help reduce on-the-road costs.

Competitively priced rentals on the PV5 Cargo

That makes the PV5 one of the most competitively priced electric vans in its class. And with some great leasing deals on both Standard Range and Long-Range models, it’s an appealing option for businesses looking to reduce running costs without compromising capability.

The PV5 family is set to expand even further later this year, with new variants including the high-roof L2/H2 and additional Passenger, Crew and Chassis derivatives on the way. Kia’s PBV (Purpose-Built Vehicle) strategy is rapidly taking shape, with plans for larger PV7 and PV9 models in the coming years and more than 40 body types eventually available.

For now, the updated PV5 Cargo range offers a flexible, efficient and future-ready solution for operators who want an electric van that feels genuinely built for modern business.