- Kia showcases PV5 WAV at Monetary Instances’ Way forward for the Automotive Summit in collaboration with Motability Operations Ltd.
- PBV WAV maximizes advantages of EV structure to deal with 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 increase its PBV WAV to further international areas underneath its imaginative and prescient of a Sustainable Mobility Options Supplier for all
Kia Company (Kia) as we speak showcased the PV5 WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Car) mannequin on the Monetary Instances’ Way forward for the Automotive Summit in London in collaboration with UK-based Motability Operations Ltd.
A part of Kia’s ongoing dedication and contribution to enhancing mobility for folks 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,” stated Sangdae Kim, Govt Vice President and Head of PBV Division at Kia. “By integrating cutting-edge Platform Past Car (PBV) know-how 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.”
Growth of the PBV WAV
Kia’s growth 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 reminiscent of elevated life expectancy and rising aged populations are resulting in a higher requirement for WAVs, with transport operators increasing their WAV-related providers 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 significant significance.
Kia has a long-standing historical past of efforts to boost accessible mobility for all folks. Since 2012, the model has been devoted to bettering accessibility by means of varied initiatives, such because the “Inexperienced Journey” mission in South Korea, a mission to boost mobility rights and allow folks with disabilities to journey freely.
In 2021, Kia expanded its efforts globally by conducting a common mobility analysis and demonstration mission in Los Angeles, U.S., to supply car-hailing providers for folks with specialised mobility wants.
Kia PV5 WAV – designed to boost disabled customers’ lives
Kia’s PV5 WAV is designed to supply freedom of motion not just for wheelchair customers, however their households, caregivers and drivers as properly. The automobile will allow customers to get pleasure from extra handy, comfy and accessible journey whereas seamlessly transitioning to electrical mobility.
The PV5 WAV encompasses a side-entry system that enables 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. All the manufacturing course of has been designed to be ecologically sustainable and additional scale back limitations of entry for many who want an accessible automobile.
The mannequin will present simple curb-side entry to boost security and comfort. It would additionally function 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 essential functions for people with disabilities, based mostly on the AAOS open software program platform.
Reaching the world with Platform Past Car
Throughout Kia EV Day in February 2025, the corporate introduced its collaboration with Motability Operations, a long-term associate within the Motability Scheme. Motability is the biggest 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 position in connecting disabled clients to work, healthcare, training and independence.
Leveraging its relationship with Motability and enabling Kia to guide in offering customer-centric eWAVs as a Sustainable Mobility Options Supplier for humanity, Kia additionally plans to increase its PBV WAV to further international areas.
