The Kia PV5 Cargo has set a Guinness World Record for longest distance driven by an electric van with maximum payload on a single charge.
The van drove 430.84 miles while carrying its maximum payload of 665kg, securing it the record for ‘The greatest distance travelled by a light-duty battery-powered electric van with maximum payload on a single charge’.
Two drivers set the record, driving for 22 hours and 30 minutes, on a 58.2km (36.2 mile) urban and extra-urban route north of Frankfurt in Germany.
Kia said that the route was designed to replicate typical routes of fleet drivers, with traffic lights, roundabouts and typical city traffic.
The model used was a PV5 Cargo Long Range four-door, with a 71.2kWh battery.
Ho Sung Song, president and CEO at Kia Corporation, said: “The Guinness World Record achieved by the PV5 Cargo is a milestone that embodies Kia’s vision of creating mobility solutions that go beyond transportation.
“This remarkable accomplishment proves that our Platform Beyond Vehicle is not only innovative in concept but also practical and efficient in the real world.”
George Barrow, a commercial vehicle journalist and Christopher Nigemeier, a senior engineer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre set the record.
Nigemeier said: “As an engineer, this challenge was both technical and personal. George brought an incredible amount of driving experience from testing other vans, while I had the advantage of knowing the PV5’s powertrain inside out.
“It became a friendly competition between us — who could squeeze the most out of each kilowatt-hour.
“In the end, it was the vehicle itself that impressed us both.”
Barrow said: “I’m genuinely excited to have been part of this incredible Guinness World Record title – it was a demanding but unforgettable journey.
“I was seriously impressed by how far the Kia PV5 can go: more than 690 km on a single charge and with a full payload.
“That’s no small feat, and I have a feeling this record won’t be easy to beat!
“The PV5 and Christopher were great teammates for this challenge, and I’m proud to have been part of a record that pushes the boundaries for electric vans.”
