CES 2024: KIA's concept EV fleet is wildly modular

Kia on Monday unveiled plans at CES 2024 to create a line of modular electric vehicles (EVs) designed for adaptability and versatility in the hopes of changing the way we buy and use vehicles in the future.

The Korean car manufacturer outlined three phases as part of its Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) strategy. Central to this strategy are interchangeable "life modules," allowing a single vehicle to serve multiple roles – from a taxi to a delivery van or a personal recreational vehicle – by swapping out these modules as needed.

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Life modules are swappable and not fixed during manufacturing. Kia states that these modules can be connected to the base vehicle using a hybrid electromagnetic and mechanical coupling technology, allowing for flexibility and adaptability in the vehicle's use.

While the Kia didn't specify the cost, it implies that vehicle functionality can be continuously reconfigured. This strategy is part of Kia's broader vision to focus on advanced technologies like software integration, autonomous driving, and artificial intelligence.

Kia says phase one starts with the Concept PV5, the first in the series. This EV is imagined as the workhorse of the fleet, focusing on providing solutions for common mobility challenges and optimized for various major domains like hailing delivery, and utilities.

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The Kia Concept PV5 in the flesh. Credit: Chance Townsend/Mashable

The Concept PV7 is the largest product in Kia's PBV line-up and is geared toward customers who need more space and range, possibly for longer journeys or larger cargo.

Finally, there's the Concept PV1, the smallest in the PBV series, designed for agile and short-distance logistics transportation. It uses driving modules to minimize the turning radius, making it ideal for navigating in narrow spaces. Based on the concept videos Kia showed on Monday, the PV1 seems best suited for urban environments where space is limited and maneuverability is crucial.

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Kia's idea of how the Concept PV1 and PV7 will interact with each other. Credit: Kia Motors

In the second phase of Kia's strategy, the PBV lineup will integrate the use of AI that leverages data to interact with users and keep its devices and software up-to-date.

The third phase sees these vehicles adding features like autonomous driving and more.

Kia plans on producing 150,000 of these vehicles annually until 2025, afterward increasing production to 300,000 annually.