Kia’s electric van sets incredible world record after driving wild distance without charging at max payload

In a milestone world record run, the Kia PV5 electric van has set itself apart from the crowd by covering a wild distance while carrying its max payload.

As EVs are continuing to grow in stature and competence, one area of the automotive industry that has yet to adapt to the times is vans.

With heavy payloads and long distances to cover, fitting recharging times into daily runs up and down the country has left long-haul drivers reluctant to switch from diesel vans.

But the Kia PV5 has eliminated that problem entirely, fitting a full day’s work with a maximum payload without having to charge, in a Guinness World Record run.

VISIT SBX CARS – View live supercar auctions powered by Supercar Blondie

Kia finally masters the workman’s electric van

Electric Vehicles have been pushed to their limits in the last five years, so much so that SUVs and trucks have begun to take over workyards due to their magnificent proven mile ranges.

So far, attempts at mastering the electric van game have been hindered by max payload and towing capacity limitations.

While many EV vans have favored style and luxury over performance, a focus on camping and touring has only solved part of the problem.

However, brands have knuckled down on this in 2025, with staples like Mercedes launching a whole new electric van family.

Yet it’s a plucky South Korean brand that has finally mastered the workman’s electric van.

The Kia PV5 was only unveiled to the European market this August, but it’s already making waves with its capabilities to maintain performance with a full trunk of equipment.

Three months after hitting the roads, the Kia PV5 Cargo has smashed the Guinness World Record for traveling over 430 miles with 2,652kg in the back.

Kia PV5 breaks the world record for the longest range with a max payload

Driven by automotive journalist George Barrow and Hyundai engineer Christopher Nigemeier, the Kia PV5 was loaded with weight and driven for 22 hours straight.

Over the day’s drive, the electric van covered 693.38 kilometres (430.84 miles) on a single charge, draining its 100 percent battery to zero.

“Even if we are new to the LCV market, this record is a testament to the versatility and innovation behind Kia’s first PBV, showing that we are serious contenders,” said President and CEO of Kia Europe, Marc Hedrich.

“The fact that much of our target audience for this van variant could operate for almost two full working days on a single charge speaks volumes about its real-world capability.

“The PV5 combines efficiency, flexibility, and intelligent connectivity in one package.”

It might be a complete game-changer for drivers crossing state or country lines in long-haul runs, eliminating any need to stop off for charging reasons.

DISCOVER SBX CARS: The global premium car auction platform powered by Supercar Blondie