Kia PV5 eWAV designed for wheelchair users

With medical advances and generally improved living standards in many countries, the proportion of older people in societies has been growing. Life expectancy in Malaysia, for instance, has extended from less than 60 years in 1960 to around 75 years today. This means that society has more and more old people who may have challenges when moving around and have special mobility needs.

Welfare vehicles
The Japanese auto industry was probably the first to give attention to this segment of the population with variants of many models known as ‘welfare vehicles’ for physically-challenged people (or OKU, as they are referred to in Malaysia). These vehicles have features such as wheelchair lifts, seat lifts, and extra space.

Elsewhere in the world, there are also companies that specialise in making conversions or modifications to vehicles to make their suitable for older passengers with disabilities. One of Tan Chong’s divisions has long experience in such conversions, offering the services on request.

Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle in the EV age
Kia is now also giving more attention to such vehicles in the EV age with a range of eWAV (electric Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) models based on the new PBV (Platform Beyond Vehicle). The PBV concept is for light commercial vehicles which provide sustainable mobility solutions, an area which Kia aims to lead in.

The first example of the eWAV range is the PV5 WAV which was recently shown at the Financial Times’ Future of the Car Summit in London. Its availability is a response to the growing requirement for WAVs and WAV-related policies in certain markets. With the continued growth of the sector projected to clash with the planned phasing out of ICE vehicles that would usually be converted into WAVs, the introduction of eWAV options is of vital importance.

Space for all within
The PV5 WAV is designed to provide freedom of movement not only for wheelchair users, but their families, caregivers and drivers as well. The vehicle will enable users to enjoy more convenient, comfortable and accessible travel while seamlessly transitioning to electric mobility.

The vehicle has a side-entry system that allows wheelchair users to board safely from the sidewalk. It also includes a third-row tip-up seat, enabling caregivers to assist wheelchair passengers from the side.

Easy kerb-side access to enhance safety and convenience. It will also feature a quick-use, 300 kg-rated wheelchair entry ramp and a specially developed wheelchair belt-fastening system.

Made at Kia’s own factory
To ensure quality that is of the same high standards as other Kia vehicles, the PV5 WAV side-entry variant will be manufactured entirely at Kia’s Hwaseong EVO Plant in Korea. The entire manufacturing process has been designed to be ecologically sustainable and further reduce barriers of entry for those who need an accessible vehicle.

“The PV5 WAV is more than just a vehicle; it’s a gateway to independence and freedom for those with mobility challenges,” said Sangdae Kim, Executive Vice-President and Head of the PBV Division at Kia. “By integrating cutting-edge PBV technology with thoughtful design, we are paving the way for a future where everyone can enjoy the benefits of sustainable mobility, and our partnership with Motability Operations is a testament to our commitment to making this vision a reality.”

Leveraging its relationship with Motability and enabling Kia to lead in providing customer-centric eWAVs as a Sustainable Mobility Solutions Provider for humanity, Kia also plans to expand offer PBV WAVs in various global regions.

Kia to offer PBVs – customisable vehicles – for business