Kia’s electric van shows up in the US again, but something is different

Kia’s futuristic electric van was recently caught driving in Michigan. Although we’ve seen the PV5 testing in the US before, this one was different.

Is Kia bringing the PV5 electric van to the US?

Is Kia finally bringing its electric van to the US? It’s not official yet, but a white PV5 Passenger model was spotted driving around Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The PV5 is on sale in Europe and South Korea in both Passenger and Cargo configurations, but sadly, the US missed out. At least, so far.

Following Europe and Korea, Kia said it would launch in other global markets in 2026, but still didn’t mention the US.

We first learned of its potential arrival after the electric van was spotted charging in Indiana last February. Several photos and a video sent to Electrek confirmed it was indeed the PV5 testing. Since then, we’ve seen it on American roads a few times, but Kia has yet to confirm or deny it will actually launch it.

The most recent sighting by Car and Driver is raising suspicion, or maybe hope, that the PV5 is finally coming to the US.

Not only did Kia’s electric van have manufacturer’s plates, but it also had side marker lights, something required in the US and not found on other PV5 models sold globally.

Could the Electric Kia PV5 Van Come to the U.S.? We Just Saw One Testing with U.S.-Market Changes https://t.co/XPe43ySwDg

— Car and Driver (@CARandDRIVER) February 3, 2026

While Kia sells the Carnival, a minivan in the US, the PV5 could find its own market as a versatile electric MPV. Then again, Kia has already indefinitely delayed several US-bound EVs, including the EV4 sedan, due to the recent policy changes.

Since Kia plans to launch the PV5 Cargo in Canada, the Passenger model spotted in Michigan could also just be testing for the Canadian market.

A PV5 with similar side market lights was spotted a few months ago in the US by KindelAuto, but until Kia gives the official word, I wouldn’t get my hopes up too soon.

After its debut in early 2025, Kia’s electric van has earned global praise, including being named the International Van of the Year in 2026, the first time a Korean vehicle has won the prestigious award.

In Europe, the PV5 Passenger is available with two battery packs: 51.5 kWh and 71.2 kWh. The former delivers a WLTP range of 183 miles, while the latter is rated with 256 miles.

The PV5 is the first electric van from its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) business. Next year, it will add the larger PV7, followed by an even bigger PV9. All models are based on its modular E-GMP.S platform, enabling nearly any configuration you could ask for.

Kia plans to introduce seven PV5 body types in total, including a light camper, a “Premium” luxury model, and an open bed variant. The PV5 Open Bed launched in Korea last week, starting at 43.45 million won ($30,000).

Will the US see any of them? We’ll have to wait and see, but the recent sightings are encouraging.