Kia PV5 Pricing Confirmed: Cheapest EV Van yet Achieves Price Parity with Toyota HiAce and Other Dirty Diesels
Kia confirmed the PV5 Cargo S will launch in Australia in late May with a base price of AU$55,990 (about US$36,900) plus on‑road costs, making it the nation’s cheapest electric van. The price sits just above the cheapest diesel Toyota HiAce at AU$51,880 (≈US$34,200) and undercuts the previous cheapest EV van, which cost AU$61,990 (≈US$40,900). The PV5 offers a 71.2 kWh battery delivering a WLTP‑rated 416 km range and is built on Kia’s dedicated E‑GMP.S platform for commercial vehicles. Its launch marks the first model in Kia’s local Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) lineup and follows a win at the 2026 International Van of the Year awards.
2027 “EV1” To Be Kia’s Most Affordable EV, and Could Mean the Axe for the Tiny Picanto
Kia announced the 2027 EV1, its cheapest electric hatchback, aimed at undercutting rivals such as BYD Dolphin, MG4, Ora and Renault 5 EV. Developed under the "B‑hatch" codename, the EV1 will replace the petrol‑powered Picanto and will be offered with 42.2 kWh or...
Mercedes-Benz EQS Set for Second Overhaul with Steer-by-Wire and Ultra-Fast Charging
Mercedes-Benz is planning a second major refresh of its flagship EQS electric limousine, adding next‑generation steer‑by‑wire technology with a yoke‑style wheel and an 800‑volt ultra‑fast charging system. The new steering system eliminates the mechanical link, offering a 170‑degree lock‑to‑lock turn...
Renault Megane E-Tech Price Slash: Highly-Rated Electric Hatch Is Now Around $10,000 More Affordable.
Renault Australia slashed the drive‑away price of its Megane E‑Tech hatch to $49,990 AUD (about $33,000 USD), a $10,000 AUD (≈$6,600 USD) discount from the previous $54,990 AUD list. This is the second price reduction since the model’s 2024 launch, which originally cost $64,990 AUD. The...