Kia has revealed its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) future strategy at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. Kia’s PBV business will initially be based around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, previewed by the Kia Concept PV5.

This future vision was presented alongside a multi-phase plan with the goal of PBVs revolutionizing the mobility industry while helping to advance Hyundai Motor Group’s ambitions in robotics, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and autonomous driving.

Kia PBVs are intended to be a total mobility solution that combines fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software solutions based on the Hyundai Motor Group’s software-to-everything, or SDx, strategy. (Earlier post.) As a Platform Beyond Vehicle, Kia PBVs are designed to open the door to new businesses and lifestyles by redefining the concept of space thanks to advanced, tailored interiors that provide freedom and flexibility.

The launch of Kia’s PBV business will see the brand commit to providing a varied range of customized vehicle types to meet customers’ individual requirements. Kia believes its new approach to PBVs can help solve various mobility challenges encountered by individuals and organizations with limited transportation options.

Kia’s PBV offering will be built around a dedicated business system, integrating vehicles, software, and future technologies to deliver added value.

The brand's PBV roadmap, divided into three distinct phases, illustrates how Kia PBVs will be pivotal in realizing the Group’s SDx vision as devices that offer tailored solutions according to customer usage patterns.

• In phase one, Kia plans to introduce the Kia PV5, a versatile EV optimized for major domains such as hailing, delivery and utilities that features conversion capability for diverse customer needs. Enhanced data connectivity between vehicles and external data such as route or delivery information is intended to enable convenient operation of multiple vehicles as a software-defined fleet.

• The plan for phase two is to see the completion of the dedicated PBV model line-up, with PBVs evolving into AI-based mobility platforms that use data to interact with users and help keep vehicles updated. An integrated PBV solution can help provide a customized, seamless experience across devices and software.

• In phase three, Kia PBVs are expected to evolve into highly customizable, bespoke mobility solutions by integrating with the future mobility ecosystem.

Utilizing technology to flexibly address the diverse demands of customers, the design strategy is to enable a single vehicle chassis to be used to fulfill multiple mobility needs. Behind a fixed cab, or ‘driver zone’, a variety of interchangeable upper bodies, or ‘life modules’, can be connected to the base vehicle via a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology, turning the PBV into a taxi during the day, to a delivery van at night, and a personal recreational vehicle on weekends.

The weldless body structure assembly is designed to enable the length of moveable members to be flexibly adjusted according to vehicle use purpose. Shipped in standardized, convenient kit form, Dynamic Hybrid technology is intended to allow for the quick and simple in-field transformation of a Kia PV5.

Kia plans to create an ecosystem that fosters interaction between PBVs. With extensive modularity—including the ability to share features across all vehicles—Kia hopes its PBVs will enhance versatility, opening up possibilities to cater to the needs of both businesses and individuals.

In line with phase one, Kia plans to make various versions of the PV5 available in the future, including Basic, Van, High Roof, and Chassis Cab. In the future, Kia also plans to introduce a Robotaxi model developed with Motional (a joint venture between HMG and Aptiv), which aims to provide a revolutionary autonomous hailing experience for passengers.

During phase two, symbiosis of the PBV ecosystem will be complimented by two further models, the ‘PV7’ and ‘PV1’, utilizing cabinet and frame systems to enhance interaction and connectivity among vehicles based on the modular concept.

• PV7 — The largest product in the PBV line-up, designed with more interior space, impressive driving range, and enhanced functionalities.

• PV1 — The smallest product in the line-up, PV1 is designed for agile and short-distance logistics transportation, using driving modules to minimize turning radius even in narrow spaces.

• PBV modularity — An integrated rail system on the vehicle’s ceiling, floor, and side panels, as well as on the exterior, enables customization of the vehicle to meet individual customer needs. This system is designed to enable the seamless transfer of goods and items between vehicles, using cabinets and frames. The ‘rails’ within this ecosystem simplify the movement of items between vehicles, while the modular design of the ‘tiles’ and functional accessories, such as speakers and shelves, offer limitless flexibility for a wide range of scenarios.

To take full advantage of the opportunities enabled by PBVs, Kia plans to launch a dedicated business system, encapsulating various aspect of the process, from the product line-up to integration of software solutions, and global partnerships.

The product line-up outlined above will be augmented by the introduction of a customer participation-based development process, utilizing customer input and feedback to create more tailored, mission-specific solutions.

Kia is taking significant steps to meet the diverse demands of customers by constructing a PBV-dedicated EVO plant in Autoland Hwaseong, Korea. This factory will implement a hybrid production approach, combining conveyor and cell-based methods. Through collaboration with global conversion partners, Kia will be able to offer conversion models for various PBV line-ups, catering to different customer preferences. The factory is scheduled to become operational in 2025 and is expected to have an annual capacity of 150,000 units.

The brand’s solutions for In-Vehicle Infotainment (IVI), Fleet Management Systems (FMS), and charging aims to leverage vehicle software-based data and AI technologies further to enable customer-centric solutions, predictive maintenance suggestions to reduce downtime, and charging programs tailored to the customer's business operating environment.

Kia’s PBV IVI solution aims to enhance daily life by recognizing user preferences in real-time and providing relevant contextual data. It is expected to offer access to the Kia PBV App Market and third-party apps, allowing customers have information and entertainment content on the go.

The fleet management solution for Kia PBVs will be designed to allow customers to efficiently oversee multiple vehicles, providing insights on sales, inventory, and deliveries, benefiting mobility and logistics businesses. Features may include inventory monitoring, temperature control, and intelligent route planning for efficiency. The solution is intended to streamline fleet management with real-time data and AI integration for predictive maintenance and optimal operational efficiency.

Kia’s EV charging solution will be designed to optimize charging schedules by considering battery charge levels, routes, schedules, and breaks. Additionally, Kia aims to provide a total energy solution by utilizing advanced charging infrastructure, allowing high-density energy batteries to power mobile devices and emergency equipment. This can eventually be made possible through innovations like Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) technology.

This integration of IVI, FMS, and charging systems is expected to be delivered via unified software, enabling packaged solutions adaptable to various business environments. Kia has established partnerships with companies such as Uber, Coupang, CJ Logistics, Kakao Mobility, and Dubai Taxi Corporation to further enhance its PBV-dedicated business system.

Future business and affiliate partnerships may help strengthen the integration of robotics, AAM, and autonomous driving to support a PBV mobility solution within smart city environments.