For anyone running a business, choosing a van is about more than badges and brochures. It’s about whether it will cope with long days, heavy loads and the realities of working life – while making sound financial sense. That’s why the Kia PV5 Cargo’s latest recognition at the 2026 What Van? Awards is such reassuring news for customers considering the move to electric.
The PV5 Cargo has been named both Van of the Year and Compact Van of the Year, following detailed assessment by independent LCV industry experts. These awards are grounded in real-world testing, which makes them especially relevant for business owners who need dependable, practical tools rather than headline claims.
Setting a new benchmark
What stands out is how well-rounded the PV5 feels. Judges highlighted its thoughtful design, long-range capability and ease of use – alongside comfort, quietness and confident handling. It also achieved a rare 10/10 score in a separate review by What Van?, reinforcing that this is a van that delivers day to day.
As James Dallas, Editor of What Van?, put it:
“The Kia PV5 Cargo is a well-researched and meticulously developed electric van that has immediately gone to the top of its class with its sophisticated, versatile design coupled with outstanding battery range.”
For businesses weighing up electric for the first time, flexibility is key. The PV5 Cargo is initially available in L2/H1 form, with a choice between Standard Range and Long Range battery options, allowing owners to prioritise payload or mileage depending on how they work.
The Long Range delivers up to 258 miles on a single charge (WLTP Combined) and has a payload capacity of 690kg, while the Standard Range offers up to 184 miles of range (WLTP Combined) and a payload up to 790kg. With future variants joining the line-up in 2026 (L1/H1 and L2/H2 formats, as well as Chassis Cab and Crew variants), it’s a platform designed to adapt as your business grows or changes.
Record-breaking range
So, how do the ranges translate to real-world driving? Ask Guinness World Records! In autumn 2025, the PV5 Cargo set a new record by travelling 430.84 miles on a single charge while carrying its maximum payload – a clear demonstration of what’s possible in real conditions.
Add to that Kia’s industry-leading 7-year/100,000-mile warranty (with extended battery cover), and the picture becomes even clearer: electric ownership that feels lower risk, more predictable and easier to plan for.
Test drive the PV5 today!
At Hendy Kia, we see awards like this as helpful signposts for our customers. They confirm that electric vans are no longer niche or experimental, but practical working vehicles – built to support families, trades and businesses who rely on their vehicles every day.
Come and experience the range at our Hendy Kia dealership on Southampton Road. We’re proud to be the only dedicated PBV centre in the Portsmouth area.
And, following the PV5’s success, it’s no surprise that Kia plan to introduce the larger PV7 in 2027 and the PV9 in 2029. Watch this space!
