When Kia unveiled its PV5 concept van, promising a 2025 launch, it caught the attention of camping enthusiasts everywhere. Known for their cutting-edge expertise in EVs and sleek, forward-thinking design, Kia signaled that the PV5 could pave the way for a new era of all-electric camper vans.
Adding even more buzz here at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis, the EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR graced the stage at the 2024 Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) Show in Las Vegas. These innovative designs highlight how Kia's current SUV flagship and an exciting future model could transform into the ultimate electric adventure vehicles.
Let’s start with the ADVNTR. The Kia EV9, already known for its sleek looks, roomy interior, and solid capability, gets an extra dose of adventure from the creative minds at Kia Design Center America (KDCA) in Irvine, California. This three-row SUV now boasts a 3-inch lift, tougher tires and wheels, and a brand-new roof platform designed for car-top camping—a trend that’s taken the outdoor world by storm. What’s exciting is how straightforward these upgrades are, hinting that the ADVNTR could easily transition from concept to reality.
Next, there’s the PV5 WKNDR, a true marvel of space and versatility. Part of Kia’s cutting-edge lineup of Purpose Beyond Vehicles (PBVs), first introduced at CES 2024, this all-electric van is designed primarily for delivery and small businesses. But who says a commercial vehicle can’t double as the perfect camper? KDCA describes the WKNDR as a “Swiss Army Knife on wheels,” with the modular “Gear Head” storage system. This clever setup keeps all your gear neatly organized in your garage and ready to load up when adventure calls.
It’s a dream come true for campers—featuring swappable components like a mobile kitchen, pantry, off-road tools, and storage modules that can be customized for any trip. The built-in compressor is a game-changer, handling everything from inflating air mattresses to tweaking tire pressure. It's functional, flexible, and ready for the great outdoors!
Kia has already made strides with its Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology, equipping its EVs with a standard outlet that lets you power all sorts of gadgets right from the car’s battery—think vacuum cleaners, portable speakers, or even a coffee maker for your camping trips. But the WKNDR concept takes self-sufficiency to a whole new level. It features onboard solar panels and the more futuristic-sounding “hydro turbine wheels,” designed to store energy and recharge the batteries.
Kia America’s COO and EVP, Steven Center, unveiled these exciting concepts at SEMA, sharing his thoughts on the brand’s innovative edge. "Our vehicles already empower people to live active, adventurous lifestyles, and it was exciting to explore how far we could push those boundaries with these concepts," he explained. He also highlighted how the SEMA Show provides a creative playground for fresh ideas, giving us a glimpse of Kia’s bold vision for the future of automotive design.
Get ready to redefine adventure with Kia’s electrifying concepts! The EV9 ADVNTR and PV5 WKNDR are paving the way for a new era of off-grid exploration, combining cutting-edge EV technology with bold, versatile designs that cater to your outdoor lifestyle. Whether it's the rugged enhancements of the EV9 ADVNTR or the modular, camper-ready features of the PV5 WKNDR, these all-electric marvels are proof that Kia is revolutionizing how we hit the road and embrace the great outdoors.
Stay tuned for the latest updates on these groundbreaking vehicles at Jim Butler Kia of St. Louis—your gateway to Kia’s bold vision for the future of adventure-ready EVs!
