- Kia showcases PV5 WAV at Monetary Instances’ Way forward for the Automobile Summit in collaboration with Motability Operations Ltd.
- PBV WAV maximizes advantages of EV structure to handle challenges confronted by wheelchair customers, their households, caregivers and drivers
- Mannequin options side-entry system, third-row tip-up seat and curb-side entry for improved security, comfort and accessibility
- Kia to develop its PBV WAV to further world areas underneath its imaginative and prescient of a Sustainable Mobility Options Supplier for all
Kia Company (Kia) right now showcased the PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Automobile) mannequin on the Monetary Instances’ Way forward for the Automobile Summit in London in collaboration with UK-based Motability Operations Ltd.
A part of Kia’s ongoing dedication and contribution to enhancing mobility for individuals with disabilities, the exhibition underscores the corporate’s management as a Sustainable Mobility Options Supplier.
“The PV5 WAV is greater than only a automobile; it is a gateway to independence and freedom for these with mobility challenges,” mentioned Sangdae Kim, Govt Vice President and Head of PBV Division at Kia. “By integrating cutting-edge Platform Past Automobile (PBV) expertise with considerate design, we’re paving the way in which for a future the place everybody can get pleasure from the advantages of sustainable mobility, and our partnership with Motability Operations is a testomony to our dedication to creating this imaginative and prescient a actuality.”
Improvement of the PBV WAV
Kia’s improvement of a aggressive electrical WAV (eWAV) has aligned with the evolution of its industry-leading PBV fashions and is available in response to growing worldwide demand for accessible automobiles.
Components similar to elevated life expectancy and rising aged populations are resulting in a higher requirement for WAVs, with transport operators increasing their WAV-related companies and modifications being made to WAV-related insurance policies in sure markets. With the continued development of the sector projected to conflict with the deliberate phasing out of ICE automobiles that may normally be transformed into WAVs, the introduction of eWAV choices is of important significance.
Kia has a long-standing historical past of efforts to reinforce accessible mobility for all individuals. Since 2012, the model has been devoted to bettering accessibility by varied initiatives, such because the “Inexperienced Journey” challenge in South Korea, a challenge to reinforce mobility rights and allow individuals with disabilities to journey freely.
In 2021, Kia expanded its efforts globally by conducting a common mobility analysis and demonstration challenge in Los Angeles, U.S., to offer car-hailing companies for individuals with specialised mobility wants.
Kia PV5 WAV – designed to reinforce disabled customers’ lives
Kia’s PV5 WAV is designed to offer freedom of motion not just for wheelchair customers, however their households, caregivers and drivers as nicely. The automobile will allow customers to get pleasure from extra handy, snug and accessible journey whereas seamlessly transitioning to electrical mobility.
The PV5 WAV incorporates a side-entry system that permits wheelchair customers to board safely from the sidewalk. It additionally features a third-row tip-up seat, enabling caregivers to help wheelchair passengers from the facet.
The PV5 WAV side-entry variant shall be manufactured solely at Kia’s Hwaseong EVO Plant in Korea, utilizing the corporate’s Made-In-Plant system. The complete manufacturing course of has been designed to be ecologically sustainable and additional scale back boundaries of entry for individuals who want an accessible automobile.
The mannequin will present simple curb-side entry to reinforce security and comfort. It should additionally characteristic a quick-use, 300kg-rated wheelchair entry ramp and a specifically developed wheelchair belt fastening system.
Past {hardware} improvements, the PV5 WAV may even combine needed purposes for people with disabilities, primarily based on the AAOS open software program platform.
Reaching the world with Platform Past Automobile
Throughout Kia EV Day in February 2025, the corporate introduced its collaboration with Motability Operations, a long-term companion within the Motability Scheme. Motability is the most important automobile leasing firm within the UK. Underneath the organisation’s Motability Scheme, customers receiving a qualifying incapacity allowance can select an reasonably priced and accessible automobile. The Motability Scheme performs a vital function in connecting disabled clients to work, healthcare, training and independence.
Leveraging its relationship with Motability and enabling Kia to steer in offering customer-centric eWAVs as a Sustainable Mobility Options Supplier for humanity, Kia additionally plans to develop its PBV WAV to further world areas.
