The electric van world has stepped into a new era — and if you’ve been waiting for the right moment to go fully electric with your next campervan, that moment is right now. With several new electric vans launching this year, 2026 is shaping up to be the year electric finally becomes the smart, practical choice for Vanlife.
And leading the charge is the one I’m currently driving every day…
🚐 The Kia PV5 Cargo: The Electric Van Everyone’s Talking About
This year has seen a wave of new electric vans, but the Kia PV5 Cargo stands out as something genuinely different. It’s part of Kia’s new Purpose‑Built Vehicle (PBV) line-up — designed from the ground up to be modular, efficient, and future‑ready.
I own the Kia PV5 Cargo Plus Long Range, and as my first electric van, I can honestly say I’m blown away. It’s smooth, powerful, quiet, and packed with tech that actually makes a difference in daily use.
Here’s what’s impressed me the most so far.
🔋 Real‑World Range That Beats Expectations
Kia lists the PV5 Cargo Plus Long Range at a stated 258‑mile range — already impressive for a van of this size.
But here’s the part that surprised me…
👉 I’m currently averaging around 4.1 miles per kWh, which works out to roughly 292 miles per full charge.
And that’s with the air conditioning blasting in the current warm weather.
For a fully loaded electric van, that’s exceptional efficiency. It means longer trips, fewer charging stops, and more freedom to roam.
🔋 Utility Mode: Silent All‑Night Heating & Cooling
This is the feature that makes the PV5 a dream for campervan conversions.
With Utility Mode, you can run:
🌡️ All‑night heating
❄️ All‑night air conditioning
🔌 Interior power systems
…without the engine running, without fumes, and without worrying about draining a leisure battery. It’s efficient, quiet, and perfect for off‑grid nights.
This alone puts the PV5 miles ahead of traditional diesel vans.
🧠 Semi‑Autonomous Driving for Stress‑Free Journeys
Kia has packed the PV5 with advanced driver‑assist tech that makes long drives far more relaxing. Features include:
🚗 Highway Driving Assist
🛣️ Lane‑centering support
📏 Adaptive cruise control
🛑 Smart braking and collision avoidance
It’s not self‑driving, but it takes the strain out of motorway miles and makes the whole experience smoother and safer.
❄️☀️ Pre‑Conditioning: Step Into Comfort Every Morning
Using the Kia app, I can heat or cool the van before I get inside.
Cold Scottish morning? 🔥 Warm van waiting.
Hot summer day? 🧊 Cool interior ready to go.
It’s one of those features you don’t realise you need until you have it — and then you never want to live without it.
📱 A Cabin Full of Smart Tech
The PV5 is built like a modern EV should be:
🖥️ Large digital cockpit with crisp displays
📡 Over‑the‑air updates to keep the van improving over time
🔌 Multiple USB‑C ports
📱 Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
🧭 Smart navigation with EV‑optimised routing
🔋 Fast‑charging capability for quick top‑ups on the go
It feels more like a premium electric SUV than a cargo van.
🧱 Designed for Conversions: Flat Floor, Big Space, Modular Thinking
Kia’s PBV platform is built with modularity in mind:
📦 Flat load floor
🚪 Wide side and rear access
🧩 Straight, conversion‑friendly interior lines
⚙️ High‑capacity electrical system perfect for camper electrics
It’s almost like they designed it with campervan builders in mind.
🔧 North Coast Campers Will Begin Converting the PV5 Very Soon
We’re already working on designs, layouts, and 3D scans to create a conversion that fits the PV5 perfectly. With our CNC‑cut furniture and precision‑built interiors, this will be one of the first fully electric campervan conversions available in the UK.
And the best part?
📝 Orders Are Now Open
If you want to be one of the first people in the country to own a fully electric Kia PV5 campervan, you can secure your build slot now.
Whether you want:
- A full adventure camper
- A modular weekend setup
- A micro‑camper layout
- Or something completely custom
…we’re ready to build the future of electric vanlife with you.
🌍 The Future of Campervans Is Electric — And It’s Already Here
Zero emissions. Silent nights. Low running costs. Smart tech. And comfort that diesel vans simply can’t match.
The Kia PV5 proves that electric campervans aren’t just possible — they’re better.
If you’re ready to step into the next generation of Vanlife, now is the perfect time.
👉 Get in touch with North Coast Campers today to secure your electric campervan conversion.
