Kia PV5 WKNDR Electric Van Concept Wins Silver Award at IDEA 2025

The Kia PV5 WKNDR Concept, a fully self-sufficient electric adventure van featuring a modular interior and eco-friendly materials, has won a silver award in the Automotive & Transportation category at the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) 2025. The IDEA Awards are regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious design competitions.

The PV5 WKNDR Concept, inspired by Kia’s new lineup of Purpose-Built Vehicles (PBVs), is designed for versatility and features a highly flexible, modular interior that can be easily customized to maximize space and functionality.

A standout innovation, the ‘Gear Head,’ is a first-of-its-kind off-board storage solution that offers sheltered space for gear when the vehicle is stationary. This enables optimal use of interior space while maintaining easy access to equipment outside. The ‘Gear Head’ can also be transformed into a mobile pantry, ideal for cooking enthusiasts who enjoy preparing meals with a scenic view.

Fully self-sufficient, the PV5 WKNDR Concept is equipped with solar panels and unique hydro-turbine wheels that can recharge its batteries even in remote, off-road environments.

Fully self-sufficient, the PV5 WKNDR Concept is equipped with solar panels and unique hydro-turbine wheels that can recharge its batteries even in remote, off-road environments. Its interior design further prioritizes sustainability, with materials such as Nike Grind flooring, made from recycled sneakers, offering both functional and aesthetic benefits.

Commenting on the PV5 WKNDR Concept EV winning an IDEA award, Karim Habib, Head of Kia Global Design, said: “Recognition from IDEA is a great honour, demonstrating the impact and value of Kia's ‘Opposites United’ philosophy in guiding our future design vision.

Awards such as this recognise the dedication of our global team and motivate us to continue to innovate and further strengthen Kia's commitment to bringing products that are relevant and meaningful to our customers.”

Kia’s PBV total mobility solution combines fit-for-purpose EVs with advanced software solutions based on Hyundai Motor Group’s software-defined everything – or SDx – strategy.

Adopting a dedicated PBV platform enables users to set product specifications according to their specific needs, with a high degree of freedom to determine factors such as seating layout, luggage compartment shape, door options, battery capacity and more.

What Is an IDEA Award?

One of the world’s three major design awards, the International Design Excellence Awards (IDEA) has been honoring thoughtfully developed products for nearly half a century. Presented on behalf of the Industrial Designers Society of America, the IDEA Awards have previously recognized some of the most influential designs in fields including automotive, branding, technology and lifestyle.

With a world-renowned panel of more than 40 multidisciplinary judges, the criteria include design innovation, aesthetics, benefit to users, benefit to society and benefit to the brand. This holistic approach ensures that recipients have considered every aspect of a product, thereby enhancing the prestige of the accolade.

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