Kia has unveiled its forward-thinking Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, marking a significant step towards revolutionizing the mobility industry. This strategy centers around the introduction of a groundbreaking modular vehicle, epitomized by the Kia Concept PV5.
Photo: KiaÂ
The PBV vision was unveiled alongside a comprehensive plan to reshape the mobility landscape and contribute to Hyundai Motor Group’s endeavors in robotics, Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), and autonomous driving.
Kia’s PBVs represent a holistic mobility solution that integrates purpose-built electric vehicles (EVs) with cutting-edge software solutions based on Hyundai Motor Group’s software-to-everything (SDx) strategy. Operating as Platforms Beyond Vehicles, these PBVs aim to redefine spatial concepts through advanced, customizable interiors, offering unparalleled freedom and flexibility.
Photo: KiaÂ
Ho Sung Song, Kia President and CEO, expressed the brand’s commitment to transcending conventional automobile concepts by addressing the diverse needs of customers and communities. He emphasized that Kia PBVs would serve as catalysts for business innovation, leveraging customer-centric management, expertise in EV mass production, and the Hyundai Motor Group’s rapidly evolving SDx strategy.
Photo: KiaÂ
The PBV roadmap unfolds in three distinct phases. In the initial phase, Kia will introduce the versatile Kia PV5, an electric vehicle optimized for various purposes such as hailing, delivery, and utilities. The enhanced data connectivity between vehicles will facilitate efficient operation, forming software-defined fleets that cater to specific needs, ultimately reducing downtime and enhancing cost-effectiveness.
Photo: KiaÂ
The subsequent phase will witness the expansion of the dedicated PBV model lineup, evolving into AI-based mobility platforms that use data for constant interaction and updates. This phase will also introduce new business forms linked with robotics and other futuristic technologies.
In the final phase, Kia PBVs will transform into highly customizable, bespoke mobility solutions integrated into the future mobility ecosystem. This evolution aims to connect connected self-driving vehicles seamlessly, creating a smart city operating system that orchestrates a hyper-connected world.
Photo: KiaÂ
The design of Kia’s PBVs focuses on simplicity, robustness, and functionality. The ‘Easy Swap’ technology allows a single vehicle chassis to fulfill multiple roles, adapting to various mobility needs by swapping interchangeable upper bodies. This flexibility and ‘Dynamic Hybrid’ weldless body structure assembly enable quick and straightforward in-field transformations.
Kia’s commitment to sustainability is evident in the extensive use of eco-friendly materials in PBV design, including bio-plastic, Post Consumer Material (PCM) plastic, bio paint, recycled PET fabric, and bio-PU foam.
Photo: KiaÂ
As such, Kia envisions an ecosystem where PBVs interact seamlessly, promoting versatility through extensive modularity. The brand plans to launch a customer participation-based development process, integrating customer input and feedback to create tailored solutions.
Photo: KiaÂ
To support the PBV initiative, Kia will establish a dedicated EVO plant in Autoland Hwaseong, Korea, implementing hybrid production methods. The factory, operational by 2025, will have an annual capacity of 150,000 units. Kia’s comprehensive business system includes partnerships with global companies like Uber, Coupang, CJ Logistics, Kakao Mobility, and Dubai Taxi Corporation.
Furthermore, Kia is leveraging partnerships and advanced robotics, AAM, and autonomous driving technologies to create a complete PBV mobility solution within intelligent city environments.
Photo: KiaÂ
Kia’s PBV strategy aligns with its Plan S vision, aiming to become a leading sustainable mobility solutions provider by 2030. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is underscored by the PBV models’ capability to distribute responsibly generated hydrogen and electricity directly to infrastructure, reducing environmental impact and ensuring a reliable supply of electricity.
