The Kia PV5 Cargo sets a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDSTM title: 693.38 kilometers on a single charge with maximum payload

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  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 .  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 . 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.