Photo: KIA - PV5 WAV

Kia PV5 WAV: Electric Mobility Becomes Accessible

Kia unveils wheelchair-accessible electric van for urban mobility

The new Kia PV5 WAV demonstrates that electric mobility can become not only more sustainable, but also more inclusive. With the premiere of the wheelchair-accessible electric van at the Motability Scheme Live exhibition in Birmingham, Kia is expanding its PBV (“Platform Beyond Vehicle”) portfolio with a solution specifically designed for barrier-free urban mobility.

Side-entry access as an innovation in the S-van segment

At the heart of the concept is a groundbreaking feature: the new PV5 WAV enables wheelchair users to enter directly from the curbside via a side-entry system — a first in the S-van segment. This is made possible by a two-piece telescopic ramp system with a maximum incline of just 13.1 degrees. Especially in urban environments such as shuttle services, taxi operations, or private mobility solutions, this design offers significant advantages in terms of safety, convenience, and everyday usability.

The centrally positioned wheelchair space also creates an inclusive cabin environment for passengers. Thanks to flexible seating configurations, the PV5 WAV can be used both as a standard passenger vehicle for up to five occupants and as a wheelchair-accessible transport solution with space for an accompanying passenger. Reinforced floor structures and an integrated wheelchair securing system provide additional safety and durability.

Part of Kia’s strategy for inclusive mobility

With the new model, Kia continues to strengthen its commitment to accessible mobility within the next generation of electric vehicles. The PV5 WAV was developed under Kia’s “Made-In-Plant” (MIP) conversion strategy. Vehicles are either built directly on Kia’s production lines or completed in the company’s dedicated conversion facilities — an approach designed to ensure consistent quality standards and scalable production for European markets.

In parallel, Kia has already introduced another wheelchair-accessible PV5 variant developed together with conversion specialist AMF-Bruns. Available since March, this version uses a rear-entry ramp system and offers flexible configurations for up to seven passengers or five passengers plus one wheelchair user.

Kia itself is already part of the eMove360° Award winners community:

In 2024, the company received the eMove360° Award for  Electric & Autonomous Mobility for the innovative Kia EV3, underlining the brand’s strong commitment to next-generation electric mobility.

Companies with innovative solutions in electric, autonomous, and accessible mobility are now invited to apply for the eMove360° Award for Electric & Autonomous Mobility 2026. More information is available at: eMove360° Award for Electric & Autonomous Mobility 2026

 

https://www.kia.com/de/modelle/pbv-nutzfahrzeuge/ueber/pbv/