- Kia unveiled an electrical camper van at SEMA
- Primarily based on the PV5, the WKNDR previews the potential for a leisure EV
- Manufacturing of the PV5 and its variants is slated for 2025
The annual SEMA present in Las Vegas is often a showcase for modified manufacturing automobiles and aftermarket elements, however this yr Kia introduced an adventure-ready electrical idea automobile.
The Kia PV5 WKNDR idea is an electrical van derived from the Kia PV5, one in every of a sequence of Platform Past Automobile (PBV) ideas Kia unveiled at CES earlier this yr. These ideas previewed a line of versatile electrical vans for business use, however the PV5 WKNDR is geared toward recreation.
Kia PV5 WKNDR idea
A winch-equipped entrance bumper, chunky tires underneath flared fenders, and a pop-up camper attachment prepared this van for off-grid journeys, whereas built-in photo voltaic panels assist guarantee a degree of self-sufficiency as soon as there. An onboard air compressor can be used to each deflate the tires for off-roading, or inflate an air mattress.
When parked, a modular storage system permits provides and gear to be securely saved exterior, liberating up extra inside area, whereas nonetheless providing quick access, based on Kia. This additionally features a cell kitchen meeting for cooking at a camp web site.
Kia PV5 WKNDR idea
As detailed by Kia at CES earlier this yr, the PV5 and different PBV ideas differ considerably from present EVs. There’s been no point out of skateboard platform, however as an alternative interchangeable higher our bodies, secured to the chassis by way of magnetic couplings, that enable the identical automobile to serve totally different roles. One van might swap from a taxi in the course of the day, to a supply van at evening, to a recreation automobile just like the WKNDR on, nicely, weekends.
Kia has arrange a devoted manufacturing facility for its PBV enterprise in South Korea that is attributable to begin manufacturing in 2025 with a focused annual capability of 150,000 models, and camouflaged prototypes of the PV5 electrical van have been noticed testing. Kia views these electrical vans as key merchandise for its future EV push, and will use them because the foundation for robotaxis ought to autonomous-driving tech ever attain maturity.
