Kia PV5 WAV: wheelchair-accessible electric van now available to order
Kia is expanding its fully electric PV5 Passenger lineup with a particularly practical variant: the Kia PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle). The model is now available to order in Germany and is sold as a passenger car through Kia’s passenger-car dealerships. At 4.695 m long, the PV5 WAV is aimed at both private users and commercial applications, such as transportation services.
Its key feature is side access: the wheelchair space is located in the rear, with entry via a ramp on the right-hand side of the vehicle. This is a genuine advantage in everyday use, as it allows passengers to board directly from the roadside or sidewalk without having to maneuver behind the vehicle.
How access works: two-stage telescopic ramp
Kia uses a manually operated ramp integrated into a raised floor, which can be used at two different lengths. Depending on the situation, it can be extended to 1.25 m or up to 1.75 m. This allows the incline to be adjusted to the curb and sidewalk height.
When fully extended, Kia specifies an incline of 13 degrees from street level, and correspondingly less from a raised sidewalk. With a curb height of 15 cm, the first ramp stage is said to provide an incline of 11 degrees. In practice, this means less effort when pushing and more capacity for heavy electric wheelchairs.
Interior: wheelchair plus companion or conventional five-seater
When transporting a wheelchair, there is still room for a companion alongside it in the rear. Alternatively, the PV5 WAV can be used as a regular five-seater with a three-seat rear bench. For wheelchair use, the right-hand section of the rear bench—the center and right seats—can be folded up, while the left rear seat remains available for another passenger.
The PV5 WAV also remains practical in terms of storage: 350 liters of luggage capacity is available behind the rear bench. The electric van is also approved to tow trailers weighing up to 750 kg, which may be useful for commercial operations or leisure activities.
Battery, range and charging: two versions with up to 391 km WLTP
The Kia PV5 WAV is available with two battery sizes: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh. The larger battery provides up to 391 km of WLTP range, while the smaller battery pack offers up to 282 km WLTP. At a sufficiently powerful fast-charging station, both versions are expected to charge from 10% to 80% in around 30 minutes.
For mobility services in particular, this matters twice over in the real world: predictable downtime and fewer interruptions during the day, as a brief charging stop is sufficient for many routes. Readers who want to learn more about practical charging can find useful tips in our guide to range anxiety in electric cars.
Equipment: sliding door, heat pump and Android infotainment
Even as standard, the PV5 WAV comes with equipment that genuinely matters in everyday use. Features include a power-operated right sliding door, automatic climate control, a reversing camera, LED headlights and 16-inch alloy wheels. A heat pump is also included and can help preserve range, particularly in winter.
The infotainment system runs on Android Automotive OS and uses a 12.8-inch touchscreen. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay work wirelessly, while map and software updates are delivered over the air. A 230-volt outlet is also standard, making it useful for chargers, medical equipment or everyday needs.
Pricing, warranty and deliveries in Germany
The Kia PV5 WAV starts at €44,940 in Plus trim with the 51.5 kWh battery. The Plus version with the 71.2 kWh battery starts at €48,940. Kia provides a seven-year or 150,000 km manufacturer’s warranty, as well as an eight-year or 160,000 km battery warranty.
The model is manufactured in Korea, with production having started in July according to Kia. The first deliveries to customers in Germany are planned for November.
Assessment: why the PV5 WAV is interesting for the DACH region
In the DACH region—Germany, Austria and Switzerland—wheelchair-accessible electric vehicles are often either expensive, cumbersome to access or compromised in terms of everyday practicality. The PV5 WAV combines side access suitable for boarding from a sidewalk, two battery options, and modern driver-assistance and infotainment essentials in a vehicle officially sold as a passenger car. Those following electric vans and buses more generally can also find further developments in our feature on the VW ID. California, which illustrates how rapidly the market is moving toward electric mobility.
Kia has also announced further wheelchair-accessible PV5 conversions through specialist partners, including solutions with a lowered rear-floor section or side access. Depending on the intended use, these may be helpful when a different entry point or interior layout is required.
