The PV5 WAV New York EV is a new electric taxi and rideshare concept Kia introduced at the New York Auto Show.
Meet the Kia PV5 WAV New York EV Taxi
Is Kia finally bringing its electric van to the US? The PV5 WAV New York Taxi concept will “demonstrate its potential as the United States’ first-of-its-kind PV5-based electric wheelchair-accesible taxi and rideshare offering.”
Kia teamed up with leading US WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle) company, BraunAbility, to develop the new EV taxi concept.
The PV5 WAV New York Taxi and Rideshare concept is designed as a more sustainable, ADA-compliant vehicle for wheelchair users.
Based on the PV5, Kia’s first electric van, the concept is modified with a ramp that extends from the rear. Inside, the PV5 WAV includes integrated tiedowns and restraints to keep wheelchairs in place. The real question is: Will Kia actually bring it to life?
Kia has already launched the PV5 in both Passenger and Cargo variants in Europe, South Korea, and other global markets.
Although it’s been spotted in the US on several occasions, Kia has yet to confirm if it will bring the electric van to the US.
Kia said it’s already gathering feedback from wheelchair users and other mobility advocates to expand real-world testing in New York.
Kia and BraunAbility will work with government agencies, fleet operators, disability advocacy organizers, and others to “gather additional input and refine the vehicle based on feedback.”
“I can think of no better place to unveil our production-ready concept than one of the most iconic taxi markets in the world, and Kia is looking forward to continually collaborating with BraunAbility on the PV5 WAV offer sustainable mobility to more users,” Sangdae Kim, Head of Kia’s PBV Division, said at the event.
You can check out Kia’s PV5 WAV New York Taxi concept at The New York Auto Show, running from April 3 to April 12.
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