Andrew Martonik / Digital Trends
Kia need to build EVs that can be well reconfigured for different function , array from average passenger cars to taxicab and delivery vehicle . The automaker previewed this strategy , called the Platform Beyond Vehicle ( PBV ) , atCES 2024 , showing the first potential vehicle blueprint .
All PBV derivative will be based on a modular platform with a fix hack , but all bodywork aft of the hack will be standardised , allow the same vehicle to serve as a taxi during the day , a speech new wave at nighttime , and a personal car on weekends , Kia says . If this sounds conversant , it ’s because Kia first mentioned the PBV scheme in April 2023 , but at that time , the acronym stand for “ Purpose - build fomite . ”
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The rearward bodywork , which Kia calls the “ life faculty , ” is connected to the anatomy via electromagnetic and mechanically skillful couplings . These module will be shipped in kit form and design to be easily assemble outside a manufacturing plant setting . Kia enunciate they ’ll contain features like large doors to make ingress and egress easy , adding that the canonical EV program creates a large flat base nonesuch for stowing cargo .
At CES , Kia showed the Concept PV5 , previewing the first planned PBV production model . Kia plans to put up “ canonical , ” van , high ceiling , and anatomy cab shape , as well as a self - driving version for a plan autonomous drive - hail service from Motional , a joint venture between Kia parent Hyundai andautonomous - driving tech house Aptiv .
The PV5 will be follow by a large model called the PV7 and a small model called the PV1 . They ’ll be build at a consecrate factory in Hwaseong , South Korea , that ’s scheduled to open up in 2025 and will be capable to build 150,000 vehicles per year , according to Kia .
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In gain to the fomite themselves , Kia hopes to create an aftermarket ecosystem of accessory that can be mounted on a standardized rail system built into the ceiling , flooring , and side panels of the vehicles . According to Kia , this can accommodate everything from cabinets and shelves to speakers , and the auto manufacturer plan to contract with conversion shops in dissimilar markets to put in them . There will also be bundles of software , include fleet management systems for the commercial operators potential to use the PBVs in their pitch van , taxi , and autonomous ride - hailing configuration .
The multiple body styles , range of accessories install by third - party firms , and swift - management software program all seem borrowed fromthe commercial van market place . But commercial-grade avant-garde also seem like a good model for the bringing vehicles and ride - hailing of the future than the hodgepodge of sedans and sport utility vehicle doing the bulk of Uber or GrubHub runs today .
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