Kia signs deal with Uber for new modular electric vehicles

Kia has signed a deal with Uber to develop its newly revealed modular electric vehicles (EVs) for ride-hailing at the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Kia’s PBV, which stands for Platform Beyond Vehicle, was unveiled by the manufacturer at the show earlier this week. 

The manufacturer says its PBV proposition is built around a dedicated business system, integrating vehicles, software, and future technologies to “deliver added value”.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Uber commits the two companies to collaborate on Kia’s planned development and deployment of PBVs.

SeungKyu Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America, said: “PBVs will play a key role in the customisation of mobility, and by partnering with Uber, Kia aims to deliver industry-leading technology with advanced software and services to enhance the ride hailing experience.

“Drivers on the Uber platform will also have the ability to choose Kia vehicles with a comprehensive suite of offerings that will ease the ramp up of electrification and help achieve both Kia’s and Uber’s sustainability goals.”

By working with Uber, Kia hopes to identify optimal specifications for PBV models, with the possible further integration of technology and services to benefit drivers and ride hailing users alike.

The partnership’s goals also extend to the creation of proofs of concept, prototypes, and the production of PBVs tailored to the needs of drivers that use the Uber platform.

Sangdae Kim, head of PBV division at Kia, said: “PBVs will play a key role in the transformation of mobility.

“This collaboration will enhance Kia's PBV development, with optimised vehicles for drivers' and riders' needs.

“This will focus on advanced software and services, with the integration of interactive In-Vehicle Infotainment and advanced safety technology.”

Kia and Uber will collaborate on ways to moderate total cost of vehicle ownership by analysing the various PBV options and potential Battery as a Service (BaaS) subscription offerings to reduce initial vehicle purchase costs.

Susan Anderson, vice president and global head of business development at Uber, said: “Drivers on the Uber platform are already EV early adopters, going electric six to seven times faster than the general population in the US and Europe.

“That’s great for all of us because when rideshare drivers go electric, communities see three to four times the emissions benefits compared with an average driver making the switch.

“By teaming up with Kia and providing our insights, we aim to broaden the appeal and lower the cost of electric vehicles, making them a more natural choice for more drivers.”

The PBV business will initially be based around the introduction of an all-new, modular vehicle, called the Kia PV5, with more versions set to be launched, including PV5 High Roof, PV5 Van, PV5 Chassis Cab, PV5 robotaxi and PV5 Pickup.

While all variants will be based on the same modular versatility of the base model, each will offer a unique set of characteristics, with further Uber-specific optimisations tailored for the ride hailing market.