- Kia’s Platform Past Automobile (PBV) goes ‘Past Mobility’, with adaptability that stands ‘Able to Reply Each Query’
- Custom-made autos and options will improve versatility and open up limitless prospects, catering to each companies and people
- 5 Kia PBV idea fashions unveiled at CES 2024 – three Idea PV5 derivatives, Idea PV7 and Idea PV1
- Kia Idea PV5 to enter mass manufacturing in 2025
- PBV platform gives customers a clean canvas to redefine how area and mobility can adapt to their wants by offering distinctive flexibility by radical modularity
- Three-phase PBV street map will remodel the mobility panorama, with extra fashions, superior software program and bespoke companies to return
- Idea EV3, Idea EV4 and EV6 GT and EV9 manufacturing fashions showcase an ‘EV Life for Everybody’
Kia has revealed its Platform Past Automobile (PBV) future technique on the 2024 Shopper Electronics Present (CES) in Las Vegas. Kia’s PBV enterprise will initially be based mostly across the introduction of an all-new, modular automobile, previewed by the Kia Idea PV5.
This future imaginative and prescient was offered alongside a multi-phase plan that can see PBVs revolutionize the mobility {industry} whereas serving to to advance Hyundai Motor Group’s ambitions in robotics, Superior Air Mobility (AAM), and autonomous driving.
Kia PBVs are a complete mobility resolution that mixes fit-for-purpose EVs with superior software program options based mostly on the Hyundai Motor Group’s software-to-everything, or SDx, technique. As a Platform Past Automobile, Kia PBVs will open the door to new companies and life by redefining the idea of area because of superior, tailor-made interiors that present final freedom and adaptability.
“Kia’s PBV enterprise represents our imaginative and prescient of going past the normal idea of vehicles by fulfilling the unmet wants of various clients and communities by optimized autos and companies catering to particular market and enterprise circumstances,” stated Ho Sung Tune, Kia President and CEO.
“Kia PBVs shall be an enabler of enterprise innovation because of our customer-centric administration system, EV mass manufacturing experience, and the Hyundai Motor Group’s quickly creating SDx technique and associated future companies. We’re excited to point out that we’re totally ready to grow to be the primary mover within the international PBV market,” he added.
A imaginative and prescient for future mobility
The launch of Kia’s PBV enterprise will see the model decide to offering a different vary of custom-made automobile sorts to fulfill clients’ particular person necessities. Decided to beat all current restrictive and one-dimensional {industry} product line-up choices, Kia believes its new strategy to PBVs might help clear up the mobility challenges encountered by people and organizations with restricted transportation choices.
Kia’s PBV providing is the embodiment of a real customer-centric strategy and shall be constructed round a devoted enterprise system, integrating autos, software program, and future applied sciences to ship added worth.
The model’s PBV roadmap, divided into three distinct phases, illustrates how Kia PBVs shall be pivotal in realizing the Group’s SDx imaginative and prescient as gadgets that provide tailor-made options based on buyer utilization patterns.
Part one will see the introduction of the Kia PV5, a flexible EV optimized for main domains equivalent to hailing, supply and utilities that options conversion functionality for various buyer wants. Enhanced information connectivity between autos and exterior information equivalent to route or supply info will allow handy operation of a number of autos as a software-defined fleet. This emergence of custom-made enterprise fleets and PBV-specific options means much less downtime and enhanced cost-effectiveness.
Part two will see the completion of the devoted PBV mannequin line-up, and PBVs will evolve into AI-based mobility platforms that use information to work together with customers and be certain that the autos are all the time updated. An built-in PBV resolution will present a custom-made, seamless expertise throughout gadgets and software program. In the meantime, new types of enterprise linked with robotics and different future applied sciences will emerge.
In part three, Kia PBVs will evolve into extremely customizable, bespoke mobility options by integrating with the long run mobility ecosystem. That is the place Kia PBVs will in the end grow to be life platforms that flip any inspiration into actuality. Related self-driving autos shall be managed as a part of a single good metropolis working system. With the emergence of a hyper-connected world the place folks, PBVs and social infrastructure are seamlessly linked, we’ll open the door to fully new life by creating a sturdy PBV ecosystem based mostly on the Hyundai Motor Group’s future applied sciences for autonomous driving, superior air mobility, robotics, and the vitality grid.
Designed to make customers’ lives simpler
Using ‘Simple Swap’ expertise to flexibly handle the various calls for of shoppers, a single automobile chassis can be utilized to fulfil a number of mobility wants. Behind a hard and fast cab, or ‘driver zone’, quite a lot of interchangeable higher our bodies, or ‘life modules’, will be linked to the bottom automobile by way of a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling expertise, turning the PBV right into a taxi through the day, to a supply van at evening, and a private leisure automobile on weekends.
Modularization is additional made potential because of ‘Dynamic Hybrid’ weldless physique construction meeting, which allows the size of moveable members to be flexibly adjusted based on automobile use function. Comprised of high-strength tubular metal and engineered polymers, typical elements are lowered by 55 % with no loss in rigidity. Shipped in standardized, handy package type, Dynamic Hybrid expertise will enable for the fast and easy in-field transformation of a Kia PV5.
The design of Kia’s PBVs is impressed by sturdy, easy and intelligent instruments and goes far past mere aesthetics. Kia’s main mission is to make sure that the model’s PBVs are easy and intuitive to function and interact with, no matter the place, when or how they’re used.
Whether or not the aim of the automobile is to move folks, transfer items, or meet logistics or private mobility wants, every PBV shares a constant high quality of design that displays its stable, sturdy nature and initiatives a reliable and extremely succesful angle. There aren’t any pointless adornments, with every characteristic designed to serve a helpful perform which makes the lives of auto customers simpler, as clearly demonstrated by the ideas unveiled at CES.
A mix of a easy but sturdy floor language mixed with expressive graphics seamlessly unifies the PV5 fashions, regardless of their various natures. On every automobile, massive doorways open out to disclose an exceptionally accommodating pillarless opening that gives easy ingress and egress. Inside, the prolonged wheelbase and electrical platform guarantee huge, flat open areas to supply near-endless stowage and utilization prospects. The driving force’s expertise can be enhanced, because the cockpit gives a desk-like floor, and the steering wheel will be folded to function a desk lamp, creating an office-like surroundings.
Sustainability sits on the core of Kia’s PBV design technique. In depth use of supplies equivalent to bio plastic, Submit Shopper Materials (PCM) plastic, bio paint, recycled PET cloth, felt and yarns, and bio-PU foam not solely limits environmental influence at this time and tomorrow, but in addition delivers a singular visible and tactile attraction that results in the creation of latest aesthetic values.
Inspiration turns into actuality
Whereas guaranteeing consistency in design throughout all autos, Kia will create an ecosystem that fosters interplay between PBVs. With intensive modularity — together with the flexibility to share options throughout all autos — PBVs will improve versatility, opening up limitless prospects to cater to the wants of each companies and people.
In step with Part One, varied variations of the PV5 shall be out there, together with Primary, Van, Excessive Roof, and Chassis Cab variations. Sooner or later, Kia additionally plans to introduce a Robotaxi mannequin developed with Motional (a three way partnership between HMG and Aptiv), which goals to supply a revolutionary autonomous hailing expertise for passengers.
Throughout Part Two, symbiosis of the PBV ecosystem shall be complimented by two additional fashions, the ‘PV7’ and ‘PV1’, using cupboard and body techniques to boost interplay and connectivity amongst autos based mostly on the modular idea.
- PV7 — The most important product within the line-up, outlined by extra inside area, better driving vary, and enhanced functionalities.
- PV1 — The smallest product within the line-up, PV1 is optimized for agile and short-distance logistics transportation, utilizing driving modules to reduce turning radius even in slim areas.
- PBV modularity — An built-in rail system on the automobile’s ceiling, flooring, and aspect panels, in addition to on the outside, allows easy customization of the automobile to fulfill particular person buyer wants. This method allows seamless switch of products and objects between autos, utilizing cupboards and frames. The ‘rails’ inside this ecosystem simplify the motion of things between autos, whereas the modular design of the ’tiles’ and useful equipment, equivalent to audio system and cabinets, provide limitless flexibility for a variety of eventualities.
“Kia PBVs will provoke a brand new period of seamless on a regular basis enterprise and life-style options. We hope to make our clients’ lives simpler and higher, whether or not they’re stationary or on the transfer, providing distinctive flexibility and customization by radical modularization,” stated Karim Habib, Govt Vice President and Head of Kia World Design.
“Untethered to any fastened place, and unbounded by the normal restrictions of area, Kia PBVs provide customers a clean canvas to reimagine their life and workstyles,” he added.
‘Able to reply each query’
To take full benefit of the alternatives enabled by PBVs, Kia will launch a devoted enterprise system, encapsulating each facet of the method, from the product line-up to integration of software program options, and international partnerships.
The product line-up outlined above shall be augmented by the introduction of a buyer participation-based growth course of, using buyer enter and suggestions to create extra tailor-made, mission-specific options.
Kia is taking important steps to fulfill the various calls for of shoppers by setting up a PBV-dedicated EVO plant in Autoland Hwaseong, Korea. This manufacturing unit will implement a hybrid manufacturing strategy, combining conveyor and cell-based strategies. Via collaboration with international conversion companions, Kia will be capable of provide conversion fashions for varied PBV line-ups, catering to totally different buyer preferences. The manufacturing unit is about to grow to be operational in 2025 and could have an annual capability of 150,000 items.
The model’s options for In-Automobile Infotainment (IVI), Fleet Administration Methods (FMS), and charging will leverage automobile software-based information and AI applied sciences, additional enabling customer-centric options, predictive upkeep recommendations to reduce downtime, and charging applications tailor-made to the shopper’s enterprise working surroundings.
Kia’s PBV IVI resolution goals to boost each day life by recognizing consumer preferences in real-time and offering related contextual information. It gives entry to the Kia PBV App Market and third-party apps, guaranteeing clients have the newest info and leisure content material on the go. By connecting with business-specific apps beforehand restricted to cell gadgets, it improves service comfort and data reliability, offering a holistic consumer expertise throughout totally different {hardware} type elements.
The fleet administration resolution for Kia PBVs permits clients to effectively oversee a number of autos. It gives insights on gross sales, stock, and deliveries, benefiting mobility and logistics companies. Options embrace stock monitoring, temperature management, and clever route planning for effectivity. The answer streamlines fleet administration with real-time information and AI integration for predictive upkeep and optimum operational effectivity.
Kia’s EV charging resolution optimizes charging schedules for max effectivity. It considers battery cost ranges, routes, schedules, and breaks. Moreover, Kia goals to supply a complete vitality resolution by using superior charging infrastructure, permitting high-density vitality batteries to energy cell gadgets and emergency gear. That is made potential by improvements like Automobile-to-Every part (V2X) expertise.
This integration of IVI, FMS, and charging techniques shall be delivered by way of unified software program, enabling packaged options adaptable to varied enterprise environments. Kia has established partnerships with firms like Uber, Coupang, CJ Logistics, Kakao Mobility, and Dubai Taxi Company to additional improve its PBV-dedicated enterprise system.
“The Kia PBV enterprise is the head of our customer-centric enterprise strategy. With the purpose of creating PBVs and options tailor-made to their enterprise environments, we’re assured that these sturdy partnerships shall be a driving pressure on the street to changing into a sustainable mobility options supplier,” stated Pierre-Martin Bos, Vice President and BDM Director of Kia PBV Enterprise Division.
Future enterprise and affiliate partnerships will serve to strengthen the combination of robotics, AAM, and autonomous driving to in the end full a PBV mobility resolution inside good metropolis environments.
- Robotics — Kia is leveraging robotics, together with Boston Dynamics’ Stretch and Spot robots, to boost logistics automation and round the clock high quality management at their good factories. These efforts purpose to uncover new enterprise alternatives by collaborations and drive innovation.
- AAM — Kia is collaborating with Hyundai Motor Group affiliate Supernal, to expedite the event of good cities by introducing multi-modal companies and mobility hub companies based mostly on superior air mobility.
- Autonomous driving — along with Motional, the Group will increase past private autonomous driving expertise into the enterprise part. That is already underway with plans for the event of a software program based mostly PV5 Robotaxi. This collaboration goals to mix Kia’s aggressive strengths with Motional’s superior Stage 4 autonomous driving expertise to increase international enterprise alternatives.
As such, Hyundai Motor Group’s software program capabilities transcend past autos and lengthen to varied areas of mobility, equivalent to robotics, plane, and autonomous driving, aiming to allow operation, management, and administration, fostering an period of hyper-connectedness between folks and issues.
Going ‘past mobility’, sustainably
By enabling unprecedented ranges of flexibility, Kia’s PBV fashions will redefine how clients can reside their lives. Boundary-pushing design will create new automobile interiors for a greater future and can increase to each cell and stationary areas, enhancing each day life, work, and leisure.
Because the model’s relaunch in 2021, Kia has launched into a journey to adapt successfully to the quickly altering market by its Plan S technique. With award-winning fashions together with the EV6 and EV9 having helped to efficiently set up the corporate as a frontrunner within the design and manufacture of EVs, Kia goals to solidify its place as a top-tier sustainable mobility options supplier by 2030 by the launch of subsequent autos, such because the EV3, and EV4. In pursuit of reaching its imaginative and prescient and assembly various buyer wants, Kia’s model relaunch has led moreover to a transition in the direction of a sustainable customer-centric administration system.
Through the course of this transformation, Kia has achieved plenty of important sustainability targets on its roadmap to changing into a sustainable mobility options supplier, together with the implementation of 10 must-have sustainability objects to be utilized to all new Kia traces to realize sustainability at scale.
Kia’s PBV technique additional facilitates the model’s local weather targets by permitting PBVs to distribute responsibly generated hydrogen and electrical energy on to infrastructure. This not solely reduces the environmental influence related to conventional energy vegetation and fossil fuels but in addition ensures an economical and dependable provide of electrical energy all through town.
Main the way in which
Kia’s presence at CES 2024 marks a return to the industry-leading Shopper Electronics Present after a five-year absence.
The model shall be presenting two exhibitions on the occasion. Positioned within the LVCC West Corridor, Kia’s PBV exhibition is predicated on the theme ‘Place of Inspiration’. The exhibition showcases the various methods during which PBVs can encourage and form people’ lives by a variety of life-style and expertise shows and options 5 PBV idea autos, together with three variations of the Idea PV5, in addition to the Idea PV7 and Idea PV1.
The 4 show areas take the type of visible representations of a park, metropolis, dwelling and manufacturing unit bathed in 4 visually distinctive colours. Collectively, the shows spotlight the a number of purposes and advantages of Kia’s PBV expertise along with showcasing Kia’s model values and ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy.
Kia’s second exhibition is situated within the CES Central Plaza, beneath the theme of ‘All-set EV Life for Everybody.’ That includes a futuristic Kia linked dwelling, the show showcases the Kia Idea EV3, Idea EV4 and the EV6 and EV9 manufacturing fashions, along with an thrilling EV9 driving expertise simulation, a ten must-have sustainable objects exhibition, and Automobile-to-House (V2H) energy provide and Automobile-to-Load (V2L) tenting demonstrations in actual life eventualities.
