Kia Pv5 vs Abarth 500E

What's the difference?

The all-new PV5 Cargo is Kia’s first full-electric van which expands the popular Korean brand’s growing electrified vehicle range into Australia’s light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment.

Designed from the ground up on Kia’s new E-GMP.S chassis platform, which is specifically designed for current and future electric LCV applications, the PV5 eliminates the compromises often associated with adapted internal combustion engine (ICE) platforms to optimise interior space, ease of loading and drivetrain efficiency with 400km-plus driving range.

It has not only won the prestigious 2026 International Van of the Year award but its compact dimensions also carve out a new niche for buyers wanting a vehicle larger than a small van (under 2.5-tonne GVM) but more compact than a mid-size one (2.5 to 3.5-tonne GVM).

We recently spent a working week behind the wheel to see if this purpose-built full-electric newcomer has what it takes to win over Aussie van buyers.

Meet the Abarth 500e, the mad-hatter sibling to the very good and all-electric Fiat 500e, and the Italian brand's first attempt at a bonafide EV hot hatch.

It's tiny, tough and – despite the lack of engine and exhaust – it burbles manically when you fire it up.

So does this mean Italy’s pint-sized, petrol-powered icon has a future in the all-electric era? Let’s go find out.