Electric Cars

Kia Introduces Two New PV5 Electric Van Models in the UK

Kia is expanding its electric vehicle lineup in the United Kingdom with the introduction of two new variants of its PV5 electric van. These models, the PV5 Chassis and the PV5 Cargo L2/H2, represent a significant step in Kia's commitment to sustainable commercial transport solutions. Built on a flexible, modular platform, these new additions are designed to meet a wide range of business requirements, offering enhanced versatility and efficiency for companies looking to transition to electric fleets. With a focus on practical applications and advanced technology, Kia aims to solidify its position in the rapidly growing electric van market.

The Adaptable PV5 Chassis: A Foundation for Customization

Kia has launched the PV5 Chassis in the UK, an innovative electric van variant designed to be highly adaptable for various business needs. This open-bed model provides a flexible foundation that can be transformed into numerous specialized vehicles, such as tippers, dropsides, or box vans, through partnerships with conversion specialists like TGS Automotive Group. This approach allows businesses to tailor the PV5 Chassis precisely to their operational requirements, from construction and landscaping to delivery services. The vehicle's compact dimensions and tight turning radius make it exceptionally maneuverable in urban environments and on constrained job sites, enhancing its practicality for diverse commercial applications.

The PV5 Chassis is exclusively available with a long-range 71.2 kWh battery in the UK, offering an estimated WLTP range of up to 258 miles (416 km), making it suitable for demanding work schedules. It supports DC fast charging up to 120 kW, allowing a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes, minimizing downtime for businesses. Inside, the two-seater cabin is equipped with modern technology, including a 12.9-inch navigation screen and a 7.5-inch driver display, along with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless connectivity. The payload capacity varies by conversion, with the Dropside offering up to 633 kg and the Tipper carrying 561 kg. Pricing for the PV5 Chassis starts from £32,916, including the UK Zero Emission Van Grant, with converted models like the Dropside and Tipper priced higher, reflecting their specialized configurations.

The Spacious PV5 Cargo L2/H2: Enhanced Capacity for Goods Transport

In addition to the Chassis model, Kia has introduced the PV5 Cargo L2/H2 to the UK market, a larger electric van variant designed for increased cargo capacity. This model offers an expanded internal cargo area, with a height of 1,815mm and a volume of 5.2 cubic meters, significantly greater than previous PV5 Cargo versions. This enhanced space makes it ideal for businesses that require more room for goods, equipment, or tools, catering to logistics, delivery, and trade services. The PV5 Cargo L2/H2 combines practical dimensions with an efficient electric powertrain, providing a robust solution for urban and regional transportation needs.

The PV5 Cargo L2/H2 is also equipped with the same 71.2 kWh long-range battery, delivering a WLTP range of up to 239 miles, ensuring reliable performance for daily operations. It comes in three- and four-door configurations with options for two or three seats, allowing businesses to choose the setup that best suits their crew and cargo requirements. The three-door models offer a maximum payload of 630 kg, while the four-door versions, featuring dual sliding doors, can carry up to 600 kg. Both configurations boast a towing capacity of up to 1,500 kg, adding to their versatility. The interior mirrors other PV5 variants, featuring a 12.9-inch touchscreen navigation system and a 7.5-inch driver display for a modern and connected driving experience. Pricing for the PV5 Cargo L2/H2 starts from £35,016, including the Zero Emission Van Grant, offering a competitive and capable option for businesses seeking a high-capacity electric va

England's First Electric Ice Cream Truck Revolutionizes Sweet Treats

This article explores the launch of England's first fully electric ice cream truck, detailing its features, benefits, and impact on the mobile food industry and environmental sustainability.

Serving Sweetness Sustainably: The Dawn of Electric Ice Cream

A Pioneer in Mobile Confectionery: Whitby Morrison's Electric Leap

Whitby Morrison, a globally recognized leader in crafting ice cream vehicles, has unveiled its groundbreaking all-electric ice cream truck. This innovative addition to their lineup is already operational and available for purchase, signaling a significant shift in the industry towards more sustainable practices.

The Electric Debut: Hocking's Dairy Leads the Charge

The very first electric ice cream truck has been delivered to Hocking's Dairy in North Devon, England. Since its deployment in July, this eco-friendly vehicle has successfully navigated an entire ice cream season, covering over 100 miles daily and operating for up to 12 hours at a stretch, demonstrating remarkable efficiency and reliability.

Engineered for the Future: The Mercedes eSprinter Foundation

Unlike conventional retrofitted diesel vehicles, this electric ice cream truck is constructed upon a standard Mercedes eSprinter chassis. This "chassis cab" configuration provides a robust and purpose-built platform, allowing for specialized customization of the rear section to meet the unique demands of an ice cream vending operation.

Artistry Meets Innovation: The Electric Van's Distinctive Design

The vehicle features elaborate and eye-catching artistic designs that prominently emphasize its electric nature. These creative embellishments not only enhance the truck's visual appeal but also serve as a clear indicator of its environmental commitment, distinguishing it from traditional fuel-powered counterparts.

Setting a New Standard: The "World's First Fully Certified" Claim

Whitby Morrison proudly asserts that their creation is the "world's first fully certified electric ice cream truck." While specific international certification standards for ice cream vehicles remain a subject of discussion, this claim underscores the company's pioneering efforts in pushing the boundaries of electric commercial vehicles, following previous concepts like the Rivian EDV and a Nissan electric van.

Beyond Sweet Treats: Health and Environmental Benefits

The advent of electric ice cream trucks offers substantial health and environmental advantages. By eliminating exhaust emissions, these vehicles protect children and the public from harmful pollutants, fostering cleaner air in popular gathering spots. This move away from diesel engines also supports healthier communities, reducing the exposure to airborne irritants.

Expanding Operational Horizons: Quiet and Emission-Free Service

Electric ice cream trucks unlock new possibilities for vendors, enabling them to operate in environments where diesel engines are unsuitable. This includes enclosed venues or events that require minimal noise and air pollution, providing a cleaner and quieter experience for both operators and customers.

Global Availability: A Sweet Opportunity for Worldwide Markets

Whitby Morrison is currently accepting orders for its electric ice cream trucks, catering to both the UK and international markets, with US orders recently becoming available. This global rollout signifies a significant expansion for sustainable mobile vending, inviting businesses worldwide to embrace the future of ice cream sales.

See More

Lucid CEO Reveals Inventory Challenges, Acknowledging Lost Orders Amidst Delivery Delays

Lucid's Chief Executive Officer, Silvio Napoli, recently unveiled a candid assessment of the company's operational inefficiencies during the third-quarter earnings review. He openly acknowledged that, as recently as the summer, the luxury electric vehicle manufacturer faced significant challenges in tracking its vehicle inventory. This inability to promptly locate ordered vehicles led to prolonged delivery periods, sometimes extending to two weeks, ultimately causing a number of prospective buyers to withdraw their purchases.

This admission sheds light on a critical issue for Lucid, particularly when considering the substantial backlog of unsold vehicles the company holds. Napoli's transparency is notable, as it diverges from the typical corporate response of attributing such challenges solely to fluctuating demand. Instead, he pinpointed a fundamental flaw in the company's internal logistics and inventory management systems, which prevented them from efficiently matching available cars with customer orders.

The internal struggles at Lucid bear a striking resemblance to the logistical "delivery hell" that Tesla experienced in 2018 during the rapid scaling of its Model 3 production. At that time, Tesla's output surged to approximately 4,000 Model 3s weekly, a volume far exceeding Lucid's current delivery rates. Tesla encountered severe bottlenecks in its delivery chain, with a shortage of car carrier trailers becoming a major impediment. Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, famously described this period as moving from "production hell to delivery logistics hell," leading the company to innovative solutions such as constructing its own car carriers and overhauling its distribution networks to accelerate deliveries and satisfy customer demand.

Lucid's situation, where it built 3,228 more vehicles than it delivered in the first half of 2026, culminating in a $1.38 billion inventory on its balance sheet by June's end, underscores the severity of its inventory tracking problem. Despite having thousands of cars ready for sale, the company's inability to streamline the delivery process directly contributed to lost sales. In response, Lucid has begun to implement changes, including enhancing its visibility into vehicle locations and establishing a new commercial team focused on selling readily available cars to customers.

The experiences of both Lucid and Tesla highlight a crucial lesson for burgeoning automotive manufacturers: efficient delivery and inventory management are as vital as the production of high-quality vehicles. While Lucid's Air and Gravity models are lauded for their excellence, the operational gaps surrounding them, including service, software, and now inventory tracking, have proven to be significant impediments. Resolving these fundamental logistical challenges is paramount for Lucid to effectively capitalize on its product strengths and convert its substantial inventory into successful deliveries, ultimately securing its market position.

See More