Kia has introduced an innovative electric vehicle concept designed specifically for taxi and rideshare use in New York City. The new model, called the PV5 WAV New York EV Taxi, was showcased at the 2026 New York Auto Show. It is a battery-powered van developed in partnership with BraunAbility, a leading wheelchair accessible vehicle (WAV) company in the United States. This collaboration aims to offer a more sustainable and accessible transportation option for passengers with disabilities.
The PV5 is Kia’s first electric van and comes equipped with a ramp that extends from the rear, allowing easy access for wheelchair users. Inside, the vehicle includes integrated tiedowns and restraints to securely hold wheelchairs during transit. This design complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), making it one of the first EV taxis tailored for accessibility in the U.S. market.
In terms of performance, the PV5 features a single motor powering the front wheels. It is available in South Korea and Europe with two powertrain options: a 164-horsepower motor paired with a 51.5 kWh battery or a 192-horsepower motor with a 71.2 kWh battery. The higher-capacity battery offers an estimated range of about 200 miles under U.S. testing standards, which should be sufficient for typical taxi shifts in New York City, where cabs average around 180 miles per day.
Charging capabilities are designed to suit commercial needs, with fast charging from 10% to 80% achievable in roughly 30 minutes using a 400-volt system. While this is slower than some newer 800-volt EVs on the market, it remains practical for taxi operators who can schedule charging during breaks or downtime.
Kia’s decision to showcase this vehicle in New York reflects its commitment to expanding electric mobility solutions in one of the world’s busiest taxi markets. The company is actively seeking feedback from wheelchair users, fleet operators, government agencies, and disability advocates to refine the PV5 WAV concept further before potentially launching it commercially in the United States.
This is not Kia’s first attempt at entering the NYC taxi market; they previously tested an electric taxi prototype based on their Rondo model back in 2007, which did not achieve widespread adoption. However, the new PV5 WAV aims to address previous shortcomings by offering improved accessibility features and electric powertrain technology aligned with modern standards.
Plans are underway to bring the PV5 to North America soon, starting with Canada where safety regulations closely match those in the U.S. The vehicle has already been launched in passenger and cargo versions overseas. If introduced successfully in New York, it could pave the way for more sustainable and inclusive urban transportation options across major U.S. cities.
