Kia PV5 — the firstborn of Kia's ambitious PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) strategy, where modularity is taken to the extreme. While the Koreans primarily see it as a commercial tool for delivery and business, the American atelier VanLab decided to add a bit of romance and freedom to the van. The result was a modular kit that turns the work transport into a cozy micro-camper.
Lego for adults
The main idea of the solution from VanLab — is the complete absence of "surgical" intervention. The entire kit is installed in the cabin in five minutes without any drilling or use of complex tools. The system works on the principle of Lego: the modules integrate into the standard floor rails, which are already provided by the PV5 design. This means that on weekdays your car remains a full-fledged work vehicle, and on weekends it becomes a home on wheels.
Modular VanLab kit in the Kia PV5 cabin. Photo: VanLab USA / Kia
The main material chosen was multilayer birch plywood. It is not only environmentally friendly but also practical: the material is strong, lightweight, and creates a pleasant visual contrast with the high-tech interior of the electric vehicle. The kit includes a full-fledged sleeping place that transforms during the day into a seating area or mobile office, as well as a storage system underneath it.
Kitchen and "power bank" on wheels
The kitchen unit deserves special attention. It is compact, easily removable, and allows for cooking both inside and outside under the protection of the rear doors. However, the real magic happens thanks to the V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) technology. Since VanLab developed the kit specifically for the Kia platform, they fully utilized its energy potential.
Thanks to the built-in battery with a capacity of up to 71.2 kWh, the PV5 acts as a huge power bank. The induction stove, mini-fridge, lighting, or laptop are powered directly from the car. No additional generators or heavy external batteries are needed. This makes autonomous life on the road significantly easier and more comfortable.
The price point
Compared to classic campers, whose cost often skyrockets, VanLab's offer appears reasonable. The full set of modules costs $1,999. This is cheaper than some professional roof racks, yet you get a ready solution for overnight and everyday use. By comparison, factory campers like the Ford Nugget or upcoming Volkswagen ID. Buzz California options play in a much higher price league.
