Introducing our Kia PV5 electric campervan project

We have some exciting news to share: Vanlife Conversions is developing a compact electric campervan based on the new Kia PV5 Cargo.

This is an important new project for us and one that feels like a natural next step for Vanlife Conversions. We have been following the development of electric vans closely, waiting for a vehicle that offers the right combination of range, usable interior space and everyday practicality.

We believe the Kia PV5 is a fantastic option.

Our aim is to create a thoughtfully designed electric campervan that works just as well for everyday journeys as it does for weekends away and longer adventures. We take receipt of our first PV5 in the coming weeks and we are now working through the layout, specification and possibilities offered by this exciting new platform.

A rapidly evolving sector

Electric campervans are still relatively new, but the sector is developing quickly. Vehicle range is improving, charging is becoming faster and manufacturers are beginning to design electric vans as dedicated platforms rather than adapting vehicles originally created around a diesel engine.

For campervan converters, that creates some genuinely exciting opportunities. A dedicated electric platform can offer a lower floor, a more flexible interior and new ways to use the vehicle’s battery—not only for driving, but potentially for powering equipment while you are away.

The Kia PV5 is one of the first vehicles we have seen that brings many of these possibilities together in a compact and practical package.

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Why the Kia PV5?

There are many reasons that we have chosen the Kia PV5, you can read all about them on our dedicated page here: explore the Kia PV5 campervan. The long-range Kia PV5 Cargo has an official range of up to 258 miles before conversion, creating an encouraging starting point for everyday journeys and trips further away.

The finished campervan’s real-world range will naturally vary depending on its final weight, weather, driving style and other conditions. We will share honest figures once our completed campervan has been built and properly tested.

Kia has already provided an exciting demonstration of the vehicle’s potential: a fully loaded PV5 Cargo travelled 430.84 miles on a single charge, setting a Guinness World Record. Source Kia Press Office.

Other features that make it a great platform to convert include its vehicle-2-load and utility mode potentially simplifying the electrics and appliances required for campervanning, this would save money, weight and install time. It can also recharge rapidly from 10%-80% in 30 minutes so by the time you have stopped for a coffee you can get on your way again.

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One vehicle, many possibilities

There is still plenty for us to explore. Range, weight, energy use, passenger seating, storage and interior flexibility all need to be considered together. Most importantly, the finished campervan must work in real life.

Our current ideas include flexible seating and sleeping arrangements, a compact kitchen, carefully considered storage and the option of a pop-top roof. However, we are deliberately keeping the design flexible while we develop and test the different possibilities.

That development process is part of what makes the project so interesting. We will be testing ideas, working through the challenges and learning how the PV5’s electric technology can best support campervan life.

We also want potential owners to be part of that journey.

People who join our PV5 waitlist will receive early designs, behind-the-scenes updates and opportunities to share what they would most value in a compact electric campervan. They will also be among the first to hear about confirmed layouts, options, pricing, preview events and ordering.

Join the PV5 waitlist

The PV5 may be new. Our experience isn’t.

Although the Kia PV5 is a new platform, our approach remains the same: thoughtful design, careful craftsmanship and friendly, personal support throughout.

Vanlife Conversions is a veteran-owned campervan conversion company with years of experience in campervan conversions and the latest IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) EV training to work safely with electric and hybrid vehicles.

We are also proud to have received 39 five-star Google reviews and to have won both the National and Regional Service Excellence Awards at The Small Business Growth Awards 2026.

Moving into electric campervan conversions is a natural next step for us, but we are approaching it carefully. We will properly test the completed vehicle and be open about its real-world range, capabilities and limitations before confirming the final specification. We will be documenting the journey and process on our YouTube channel here.

Alongside the compact Kia PV5 campervan, we are also exploring opportunities offered by larger electric vans for people who want more living space and the features of a full-sized campervan.

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Follow the Kia PV5 campervan project

We will be releasing more information as the project progresses over the Autumn of 2026.

If the idea of a compact electric campervan that can fit naturally into everyday life appeals to you, visit our dedicated PV5 page to learn more and join the waitlist.

Discover our Kia PV5 electric campervan and join the waitlist

The campervan is currently in development. Its final design, specification, price, range, features and availability are subject to testing and confirmation. Base-vehicle figures are supplied by Kia and may vary depending on conditions and vehicle configuration.

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