You can now buy an EV for $25,000 and there’s a wide range of electric cars and SUVs for less than $45K from BYD, MG, GWM, Chery and other brands. Here are the cheapest EVs to buy in Australia right now.
2026 Kia PV5 Cargo electric van: price, specs and release date in Australia
Kia is set to launch its first all‑electric van in Australia, with the Kia PV5 Cargo arriving in dealerships in May 2026. Designed from the outset as a commercial electric vehicle, the PV5 is aimed at businesses looking to reduce running costs without compromising capability.
Pricing and specifications have now been confirmed for one of the most anticipated electric vehicle launches of 2026, with the PV5 Cargo set to arrive from $55,990 before on‑road costs — undercutting rival models and establishing a new entry point for electric commercial vehicles in Australia.
More: Research and compare new cars, SUVs and utes on sale today in Australia
Kia PV5 Cargo – Australian price and specs
Body style: Electric light commercial van
Battery: 71.2kWh
Powertrain: Single electric motor, front‑wheel drive
Claimed range: 416km (WLTP)
Price: $55,990 plus on‑road costs
Australian arrival: May 2026
In this article
What is the Kia PV5 Cargo?
The Kia PV5 Cargo is an all‑electric light commercial van and the first Australian model built on the brand's new Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) architecture. Unlike electric vans derived from petrol or diesel vehicles, the PV5 has been developed specifically for commercial applications, with an emphasis on cargo flexibility, durability and efficiency.
Internationally, the PV5 has already gained recognition, winning the 2026 International Van of the Year award.
How much does the 2026 Kia PV5 Cargo cost?
Kia Australia has confirmed the PV5 Cargo will be offered in a single configuration from launch, priced from $55,990 before on-road costs, positioning it as the cheapest electric van in Australia.
| 2026 Kia PV5 Cargo | |
|---|---|
|
Battery |
71.2kWh |
|
Variant |
Cargo S 4DR Long Range |
|
Powertrain |
Single motor, FWD |
|
Price |
$55,990 |
Prices are before on‑road costs such as registration, dealer delivery and stamp duty.
The Kia PV5 Cargo will have dual sliding side doors and rear barn doors for easy loading and unloading.
Powertrain, battery and range
Australian‑spec PV5 Cargo models will be fitted with a 71.2kWh battery and single front‑mounted electric motor, driving the front wheels. Kia claims a 416km range on the WLTP test cycle.
Rather than offering multiple battery options at launch, Kia has focused on a single long‑range configuration designed to suit urban delivery routes, mixed suburban driving and general commercial use. On paper, the claimed range should comfortably cover a full working day for most businesses operating in city and suburban areas.
Charging
While detailed Australian charging specifications are yet to be confirmed, Kia says the PV5 Cargo has been engineered with rapid charging in mind to minimise downtime.
Kia has confirmed DC fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes, though final Australian specifications are yet to be formalised.
The PV5 Cargo is also Vehicle‑to‑Load capable, allowing compatible tools and equipment to be powered directly from the vehicle’s battery. For trades and mobile service operators, this adds practical functionality beyond delivery transport alone.
Design and cargo access
For Australia, the PV5 Cargo will be offered with dual sliding side doors and rear barn doors, aimed at making loading and unloading easier in tight urban environments. Kia has not yet released official Australian cargo volume figures, with full specifications expected closer to launch. The use of the brand's dedicated EV platform is designed to maximise usable space within a compact exterior footprint.
The Kia PV5 is designed for commercial use and will be equipped with advanced safety systems.
Interior and technology
Full interior and infotainment specifications for Australian models are still to be detailed. Kia confirms the PV5 Cargo will feature intelligent vehicle technology designed to support commercial use, with more information to be released ahead of customer deliveries.
Safety
Kia says the PV5 will be equipped with advanced safety systems, though detailed feature lists and any safety ratings are yet to be announced. Final safety specifications will be an important consideration for fleet buyers and businesses.
Ride and comfort
Kia says the PV5 Cargo has undergone the brand's long‑established local ride and handling program, with the van's tuning focused on stop‑start urban delivery use, as well as rougher suburban and regional roads. Local calibration is designed to ensure the PV5 Cargo remains comfortable and stable under load across a wide range of city and suburban driving conditions.
Research and compare battery-electric SUVs on sale today: brands, models, specs, features, running costs and prices
What will the Kia PV5 Cargo compete with?
The PV5 Cargo enters a small but growing segment of electric light commercial vehicles in Australia that is predicted to grow quickly in coming years. Business buyers are likely to compare it with other electric vans such as the Peugeot e‑Partner, Ford E‑Transit Custom and even the Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo based on price, usable range, payload capacity and whole‑of‑life running costs.
With confirmed pricing, competitive headline range and local development, the PV5 Cargo shapes as a strong early contender on paper. Final specifications will ultimately determine how it stacks up in the eyes of businesses and tradies.
More: Buying an electric vehicle in Australia – everything you need to know
Where the PV5 Cargo sits in Kia’s EV range
The PV5 Cargo expands Kia’s Australian electric vehicle model range beyond passenger cars and SUVs. The PV5 Cargo will join the EV3, EV4, EV5, EV6 and EV9 in local dealerships.
More: Research and compare the Kia range in Australia on RACV Car Match
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.