Grand Tour of Ireland: Electric Kia PV5 on the road
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Grand Tour of Ireland puts electric Kia PV5 and Modul-System racking on the road
An electric Kia PV5 fitted with Modul-System racking will be covering hundreds of miles of road, travelling from the North Coast of Northern Ireland to the very south of Ireland and back again. Starting on 30 November, the journey will take in a number of Kia dealerships and commercial bodybuilders, giving fleet and van operators the opportunity to see what it really takes to run an electric van for work.
The Grand Tour of Ireland at a glance
- Dates: Monday 30 November – Friday 4 December 2026
- Route: North Coast of Northern Ireland to the south of Ireland and back
- Stops: Kia dealerships and commercial bodybuilders in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
- Vehicle: Kia PV5 Cargo, 71.2 kWh battery, WLTP range up to 416 km, 690 kg payload
- Van fit-out: Modul-System UK racking, flooring and roof bars
- Charging: Octopus Fleet and Octopus Electroverse
The Grand Tour of Ireland runs from Monday 30 November to Friday 4 December 2026, with stops at several Kia dealerships and a number of commercial bodybuilders across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Along the way it will test the PV5 on the questions operators ask most: how far it goes, where it charges and how it copes with a full working load over a long journey.
Kia PV5 Cargo: an electric van put to the test
The Kia PV5 Cargo is taking centre stage on a Grand Tour of Ireland, showcasing the potential of electric commercial vehicles across the region. Launched in Northern Ireland earlier this year, the PV5 Cargo features a 71.2kWh battery, a WLTP range of up to 416km, a 690kg payload. Emma Canmore Regional Business Manager for Kia UK said:
“The Grand Tour is a great opportunity to showcase the Kia PV5 Cargo in real-world conditions and demonstrate the potential of electric commercial vehicles. We’re committed to supporting our customers on their journey towards electrification, giving them the opportunity to see first-hand how electric vehicles can meet the needs of their businesses.”
Van racking from Modul-System UK
The tour van has been converted by Modul-System UK, one of Kia’s first approved PV5 conversion partners in the UK. Its modular racking, flooring and roof bars are built to fit the PV5 load area and are bonded in with structural adhesive rather than drilled. Visitors will be able to compare the system with a traditional timber fit-out on the points that matter to fleets: payload, storage, flexibility and the ability to move equipment across to a replacement vehicle.
Kevin Walker, Managing Director of Modul-System UK, said:
“A timber fit-out is heavy, it is built for one van and it is usually scrapped when the van is replaced. Our racking is lighter, it is bonded rather than drilled, and it can be moved to the next vehicle.”
Why weight matters on an electric van
On an electric van every kilo of payload counts, and in a damp winter, timber can take on enough moisture to become around 10% heavier. The best way to show the difference, therefore, is to put the PV5 in front of the people who will run it, on the roads they drive.
Public charging with Octopus Fleet and Electroverse
Charging along the route will make use of Octopus Fleet, the fleet management service from Octopus Energy. The service allows fleets to tap into Octopus Electroverse, which gives access to more than 1.5 million public charge points across 40 countries on a single card and app. The tour will record how public charging works in practice for a commercial driver operating away from base.
Matt Davies, Director of Octopus Electroverse & Octopus Fleet, said:
“For businesses making the switch to electric, charging should be the least of their worries. Octopus Fleet and Electroverse take the hassle out of the equation, giving drivers access to a huge network of chargers across Europe, while giving businesses the tools and visibility to keep their fleets moving. It’s a smarter, simpler way to go electric.”
Follow the tour
Journalist Chris Owen will travel with the van and report on the tour through blogs, photography and video, covering range, charging and day-to-day usability for fleet managers and businesses weighing up the switch to electric.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Grand Tour of Ireland?
From Monday 30 November to Friday 4 December 2026.
Which van is used on the tour?
An electric Kia PV5 Cargo with a 71.2 kWh battery, a WLTP range of up to 416 km and a 690 kg payload.
Who converted the van?
Modul-System UK, one of Kia’s first approved PV5 conversion partners in the UK. It fitted modular racking, flooring and roof bars.
Why choose racking over a timber fit-out in an electric van?
Modul-System racking is lighter, so it leaves more payload. It is bonded in without drilling and can be moved to the next vehicle. Timber is heavier, can absorb moisture and is usually scrapped when the van is replaced.
How is the van charged on the tour?
Through Octopus Fleet and Octopus Electroverse, which give access to more than 1.5 million public charge points in 40 countries.