South Korean automaker Kia Corporation, part of Hyundai Motor Group, has announced it has signed an agreement to supply battery-powered delivery vans based on its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) platform to DHL Korea Ltd - the local unit of global logistics giant DHL.

Kia is currently building a plant in South Korea’s Gyeonggi province to produce battery-powered PBVs, which it originally referred to as purpose-built vehicles, from 2026. The facility will have an initial production capacity of 150,000 PBVs per year and will be equipped with eco-friendly and next generation manufacturing technologies including Hyundai Motor Group’s E-Forest digital manufacturing systems and cellular manufacturing - which “allows vehicle production based on diverse customer demands”.

Under the agreement, Kia will develop PBVs specifically designed for DHL Korea's business requirements. The first model, the medium-sized PV5, will go into production in 2026. The model lineup will be expanded in 2027 with the larger PV7.

Kia stated that the agreement with DHL Korea will provide a platform for the company to establish a “sustainable logistics ecosystem” for last-mile deliveries, based on its PBV models. This will also include charging networks and service warranties.

Other logistics partners are expected to join in the coming months. The automaker confirmed that it plans to “expand its PBV-related cooperation with a variety of external partners to provide total mobility solutions for its customers.” Ultimately, Kia aims to expand its collaboration with PBV partners into other markets, including Asia and Europe.

Won-Jeong Jeong, Kia’s executive vice president and head of the Korea Business Division, said in a statement: “Kia plans to improve customer business productivity by supplying PBV models optimized for DHL Korea's operations, and by working as a partner that actively supports electrification to realize sustainable logistics transportation using PBVs.”

What is a PBV?

Kia describes its PBV concept as a range of electric vans with multiple applications - personal and business - that are based on an approach to vehicle design that leans on the engineering of commercial vehicles.

From electric light commercial vehicles (LCVs) to people carriers, the brand claims its PBV Concept offers advanced mobility and software solutions for both business and personal use.

It says the PBV Concept goes 'far beyond the existing conventions of modern commercial vehicles'. Using commercial vehicle technology and advanced software solutions, Kia maintains its PBV electric vans will offer flexiblity of configuration for different profiles, layouts and interiors, depending on personal or business needs.