Kia tests micro camper market with off-road electric van concept

It is called the Kia PV5 WKNDR and is intended to meet the needs of future camper van customers.

Photo by: Kia

By: José Guzmán

Nov 11, 2024 at 4:12am ET

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This is not the first time we have talked about small camper vans. In some countries, especially in Eastern markets, they are in great demand, and little by little, we are beginning to see them in Europe and the United States. Toyota has already shown some interesting examples, but now it is Kia that shows us its own interpretation of this type of all-terrain vehicle.

We are talking about the Kia PV5 WKNDR, which the Korean manufacturer has just unveiled and which is in line with the Toyota KAYOIBAKO, an adorable micro-camper of the future that we showed you just a few days ago. Just like the Japanese model, the Korean camper van offers multiple practical elements, all of them under a futuristic appearance, based on a 100% electric vehicle.

Gallery: Kia PV5 WKNDR SEMA 2024

Source: Kia

The basis of the project is the family of vans and transport vehicles presented by Kia during CES Las Vegas 2024, called Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV). It is Kia's proposal for the next generation of modular, multi-purpose commercial electric vehicles, created to offer virtually unlimited flexibility: delivery van, passenger transport or recreational vehicle.

The concept behind Kia's modular platform is that instead of customisable interiors, the PBV ecosystem will be underpinned by a split-vehicle architecture with a fixed engine cabin and interchangeable compartments depending on the intended use. So, during the week, you can drive your five-passenger electric van, put it in the garage and install the module you need depending on your profession. And for the weekends, you can take out that module and install one focused on relaxation and leisure.

Presented at the SEMA Show 2024 the micro camper concept is 4.70 metres long. The PV5 is supposed to be the first production vehicle in the series, to be followed by the PV1, a small people carrier, and the larger PV7 van.

The PV5 WKNDR concept rides on a raised suspension and oversized off-road tyres, which protrude from the 'small' flared wheel arches. It sports a generous light bar at the top, side awning and tow hooks.

The name refers to an "escape pod ideal for long weekends in the wilderness" and adds a drop-down roof for overnight stays. It is designed for two people and features a small dining area in the rear with a central table, a fold-down seat and an inverted passenger seat.

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Another eye-catching detail is the Gear Head, an interior container located next to the driver's seat that can be used to store equipment, tools or camping gear and can be easily accessed from outside the van. An ideal space to store the fridge, camping cooker, folding chairs, portable garden sets...

Energy self-sufficiency is assured thanks to Kia's addition of solar panels and 'water turbine wheels' to keep the batteries charged, even when driving from one point to another with the PV5 WKNDR. At the moment, it's just a concept, but hopefully Kia will make it a reality sooner rather than later.