Kia has signed an agreement with Uber that will see the manufacturer and ride-hailing firm working together on the development and deployment of the Korean firm’s new 'PBV', or 'Platform Beyond Vehicle', vans.
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Uber intends to expand its electric vehicle offering as it works towards achieving its zero-emission goals by 2040 and will work with Kia to produce PBVs (or vans and people carriers) optimised for drivers and fleets.
SeungKyu Yoon, president & CEO, Kia America: “PBVs will play a key role in the customisation of mobility, and by partnering with Uber, Kia aims to deliver industry-leading technology with advanced software and services to enhance the ride-hailing experience. Drivers on the Uber platform will also have the ability to choose Kia vehicles with a comprehensive suite of offerings that will ease the ramp-up of electrification and help achieve both Kia’s and Uber’s sustainability goals.”
(Our roving reporter Phil Huff, above, on the ground at CES 2024 Las Vegas)
Kia’s PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle) strategy combines a ‘skateboard’ chassis with modular bodies behind a fixed cab. The ability to create custom vehicles for the likes of Uber means that the development of optimised operational solutions, connected vehicles, data-led operational efficiencies and proactive maintenance can be augmented by new passenger experiences, including climate and sound control, interactive rear-seat entertainment systems, and more.
The collaboration will see the two companies identifying requirements and integrating technology and services to benefit drivers and ride-hailing users alike. The duo’s goals will also include creating proof of concept prototype vehicles and, ultimately, producing tailored PBVs specifically for the Uber platform.
Sangdae Kim, Head of PBV Division, Kia: “PBVs will play a key role in the transformation of mobility. This collaboration will enhance Kia's PBV development, with optimised vehicles for drivers' and riders' needs. This will focus on advanced software and services, with the integration of interactive In-Vehicle Infotainment and advanced safety technology.”
Further collaborative work will include Kia and Uber looking at ways to reduce the total cost of ownership, including considering a potential Battery as a Service (BaaS) subscription offering to reduce initial vehicle purchase costs — options that could make their way to commercial PBV offerings.
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Susan Anderson, Vice President, Global Head of Business Development at Uber, said: “Drivers on the Uber platform are already EV early adopters, going electric six to seven times faster than the general population in the US and Europe. That’s great for all of us because when rideshare drivers go electric, communities see three to four times the emissions benefits compared with an average driver making the switch. By teaming up with Kia and providing our insights,
we aim to broaden the appeal and lower the cost of electric vehicles, making them a more natural choice for more drivers.”
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Kia revealed its conceptual PBV range at the CES show in Las Vegas, with the PV5 van being the first model to launch.
The new vehicle will start production in South Korea in 2025, with a global rollout following.
The model could extend to van, MPV, chassis cab and pick-up options, with an autonomous ‘Robotaxi’ also slated for release.
The PV5 will be followed by a larger PV7 van, with a tiny autonomous PV1 also revealed at the show.
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