Falling in love with an idea automobile usually results in disappointment. Most by no means transition into actual autos, and those who do ceaselessly stray removed from their fascinating preliminary designs. For each beautiful creation just like the BMW i8, there are numerous misses, such because the Pontiac Aztek. But, love will not be all the time logical, and that is why I am hopeful that Kia’s PV5 WKNDR electrical van idea would possibly one way or the other grow to be actuality.
The PV5 WKNDR debuted at SEMA, the distinguished aftermarket and efficiency commerce present, earlier this month. I had the chance to see it firsthand on the LA Auto Present final week. Like a memorable film or track, I am nonetheless reflecting on it days later, which speaks volumes.
This idea embodies a #vanlife philosophy and is a part of Kia’s new Platform Past Automobile program—a lineup of modular electrical work autos in numerous sizes and configurations. Kia has bold plans for this initiative because it goals to develop into the business car sector, exploring revolutionary ideas resembling transformable physique sorts, autonomous driving, and probably even crab-walking wheels for delivering cargo to tight areas. Whereas the complete extent of those applied sciences stays unsure, it is clear that Kia is keen to enter the rising electrified supply van and business car market.
In distinction, the PV5 WKNDR is comparatively conventional, but it demonstrates how successfully this platform might be tailored for a shopper van designed for off-road adventures. Kia describes it as “an escape pod for prolonged weekends in nature” and “a Swiss Military Knife on wheels.” Its rugged off-road tires and specifically custom-made inside supply a cellular residing house full with lounge seats, tenting chairs, tables, and an extending rooftop tent. Moreover, it options towing hooks on the entrance and rear, prepared for any off-road mishaps.
Although I did not witness a stay demonstration on the auto present, the van additionally boasts photo voltaic panels for offboard charging and “hydro turbine wheels” that generate electrical energy whereas in movement. This revolutionary concept deserves to be built-in into precise manufacturing autos. This idea compellingly advocates for an electrical off-road car: stationary EVs can provide immense quantities of electrical energy for powering campsites, units, and even total houses. By scaling this idea to a bigger car with an even bigger battery, one might generate a major quantity of zero-emission energy whereas tenting. I consider Kia is onto one thing vital with this idea and genuinely hope they discover a strategy to deliver it to life.
In the event you’re attending the LA Auto Present’s public days this month, ensure to test it out—you would possibly discover it as thrilling as I did.
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