I attended the launch of Kia’s PV5 van just before Christmas, and I was able to try it in both commercial and passenger guises. I came away impressed, not just by the way it drove, but also by the affordable pricing for a fully electric van.

Keen to try one for an extended period, I have just enjoyed a week behind the wheel of a top-spec passenger PV5 Plus and can now report further.

First a few facts and figures. Kia offers two batteries in the PV5. The smaller 51.5 kWh pack model has 120bhp, a 0-62mph sprint time of 12.8 seconds and a range of up to 183 miles. The larger 71.2 kWh battery version has an extra 40bhp which knocks a little over two seconds off the sprint to 62mph and has an increased range of up to 256 miles. Top speed is 84mph regardless of which version. These figures are for the passenger version, but there is little difference if you choose the commercial variant.

There are two trim levels to choose from. ‘Essential’ lives up to its title with a huge suite of safety kit included, as well as a reversing camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rain-sensing wipers and automatic air conditioning. Upgrade to the ‘Plus’ model and you’ll find such niceties as heated front seats and steering wheel (rear too in the passenger model), electrically folding door mirrors and wireless mobile phone charging, and there is the option of a heat pump.

Passenger vans start at £32,995, rising to £38,925 for a ‘Plus’ model with the larger battery. In commercial guise, prices range from £27,645 + VAT to £30,145 + VAT. My test vehicle will set you back £36,795 after the government’s £1,500 grant has been deducted.

The PV5 can be charged quickly on a public DC charger, up to 150kW, so a 10-80% top-up should take around half an hour if you can find a 350kW unit. At a more leisurely 50kW, expect to wait an hour for the same fill.

The PV5 Passenger offers a huge amount of space for five large adults to spread out. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, and the view out is excellent, with plenty of glass, cameras, and sensors for low-speed manoeuvring. The rear bench is fine with Isofix points on the two outer seats. Unusually, there are small opening windows in the rear doors, a nice touch.

The boot space is vast at over 1,300 litres, and the low floor means loading will be easy. Fold the seats, and a gargantuan 3,615 litres will now be available to use, ideal for those mountain bikes, tents, etc. I moved a very large sofa with ease. Material quality is robust rather than plush, which is fine for a cargo van but perhaps a tad disappointing in a passenger vehicle. Recycled plastics are the order of the day.

Although the on-paper performance figures for the PV5 look somewhat modest, out on the road the PV5 felt pleasantly brisk. I am still having to get used to quiet vans, with only higher speeds generating some wind noise and rustle from around the wing mirrors. Other than that, peace and quiet, which makes for relaxing long-distance motoring.

My longest jaunt was a 450-mile round trip to Bristol, dropping off a friend who was picking up a new sports car. The journey was effortless, and I emerged at journey’s end with no aches or pains. There were a couple of charging stops needed, but as comfort breaks were required, this was no hardship.

Kia quotes an official range of 256 miles. At motorway speeds I would suggest 200 miles is nearer the mark, but in local running, those with a gentle right foot may get much closer to Kia’s figure.
The PV5 has already drawn comparison with Volkswagen’s ID. Buzz.

It’s undoubtedly a very cool and trendy option, but the five-seater will set you back almost £60,000. That makes the top PV5 look like something of a bargain. The Buzz is slightly more engaging to drive, but I am not sure how much that matters with this type of vehicle.
It should also be borne in mind that all PV5 vans come with Kia’s excellent 7-year/100,000-mile warranty (Volkswagen offers just 3-year/60,000-mile warranties as standard).

The PV5 is just the first in a series of vans Kia will be offering over the coming years. I’m told PV7 and PV9 models are in the pipeline, and with such a flexible platform, up to 16 different versions are planned. Expect to see 7-seat passenger models, a flatbed truck and, who knows, maybe even a camper version.

The PV5 looks set to shake up the electric van sector. That it can do on price alone, but coupled with well-developed, reliable battery technology, decent driving characteristics and a comprehensive kit, it is sure to succeed. Kia expected to sell a modest 1,250 passenger PV5s this year, and I’m told they're already comfortably ahead of that figure with over half the year to come. It is ideal for the private hire market and large families alike. I was sad to see it depart; the only consolation was that an EV5 took its place on my driveway. That’s a story for another day.

Fast Facts
• Kia PV5 Passenger Plus
• £36,795 (inc Govt. grant)
• 160bhp & 250Nm
• 0-62mph in 10.6 seconds
• Top speed 84mph
• Range 256 miles
• 10-80% charge 50kW – I hour
• 10-80% charge 350kW- 30 mins
• Insurance group 30D
• Towing capacity 1,500kg (braked)