Ask Nathan: Is the Kia PV5 Pickup Concept the EV Truck We Were Promised and Buying a Basic Towing Vehicle?

The Kia PV5 Pickup Idea – is that this what we had been promised?

I want a primary pickup to tow 14,000 kilos.

The primary query comes from a very long time fan who was curious to see if the Kia PV5 Pickup Idea EV is what they’ve in retailer for U.S. patrons.

Hola Nathan my good friend, and all of the folks on the FL! I’m that man who nonetheless owns the 2009 Kia Borrego! I nonetheless have it and gave it to my daughter. She has only a few issues with it and its previous 225,000! Keep in mind when Kia introduced that they might promote a electrical pickup truck within the USA? I haven’t heard something for some time. However then my work good friend instructed me in regards to the PV5 and confirmed me a picture on his cellphone of a pickup truck. Is that this the pickup truck that Kia was promising?

I like how Kia does issues they usually make good trying automobiles. Perhaps it is possible for you to to go to Korea and see a few of their design stuff? And I appreciated your movies on the Slate truck which is one thing I’m critically fascinated by! Have enjoyable in California!

— S from Littleton, CO

The Kia PV5 idea you’re referring to is a part of a modular scheme permitting the platform to transform from a van to a pickup – when wanted. Being that the Kia PV5 has a skateboard platform, the entrance of the car (the cab) stays with the platform, however he rear part, aft of the motive force, may be quite a lot of completely different configurations. I consider they confirmed a supply van, box-truck and pickup truck among the many potential configurations, however you could keep in mind – this can be a idea.

I consider Kia continues to be severe about constructing some form of electrical pickup truck for america, however (for it to keep away from tariffs and different taxes) it must be constructed right here. It’s a superb guess that it could be constructed at Kia’s West Level, Georgia facility. There’s additionally the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) in Georgia, which might construct a companion pickup on the identical platform on the identical line. Some theorize that the pickup will resemble the funky Kia Tazman, or share bits with the Hyundai Santa Cruz.

Personally, I consider will probably be one thing else totally. I agree along with your evaluation of Slate vehicles. If Kia was good, they might hold a detailed eye on Slate, and have a look at making one thing modular (just like the PV5 pickup idea) however for a really reasonably priced value. I anticipate to listen to extra inside the subsequent few months.

Thanks for the query and the nice needs!

— N

I’m seeking to improve to a pickup that may simply tow 14,000-lbs. I would like one thing primary, however that has a 4×4 setup, and is daily-driving straightforward. Can I get a 1/2-ton to do it?

— Pal from my membership

Sure, there are 1/2-ton vehicles that would max out at 14,000-lbs, however I wouldn’t suggest it, neither would our truck-guru Andre Smirnov. That’s loads of stress for a 1/2-ton, and also you’re most likely previous the max hitch weight should you go that far. Even dropping a 1,000-lbs could be tough on a 1/2-ton. I’d extremely suggest stepping as much as a HD (Heavy Obligation) pickup like a 2500 or F250. Ram, Ford and GM have fashions that may simply pull that weight, and (some) should not as costly as you may assume.

The massive query is getting a diesel, and goodies. Diesel powertrains are perfect for towing and long-distance economic system, however they’re remarkably costly additions. All three automakers construct fuel V8s which are fairly succesful, and are far inexpensive. Sadly, they lack the nice economic system, vary and grunt of a diesel. Nonetheless, should you’re severe about saving cash, getting a fuel engine will prevent hundreds.

Take into account: every truck I point out is absolutely the base mannequin, with few frills. Their max numbers can fluctuate a bit, primarily based on configurations. As such, I outfitted each with 4WD, and an additional or crew-cab. The Ford Tremendous Obligation F-250 XL 6.8L V8 4×4 SuperCab can tow -around 17,000-lbs and begins just below $53,000. Ram’s 2500 comes with a 6.4-liter 4×4 Hemi and might pull 17,750 with a crew-cab. It has a base value of simply over $53,200. Lastly, there’s the Chevrolet Silverado 6.8-liter fuel V8 2500 HD 4×4. It’s listed with a most towing weight of 19,100-lbs and has a base value of simply over $54,000.

I admit that I’m a fan of the Ram as I like that outdated Hemi, they usually make a pleasant inside for the dough. The Ford is least costly, however that’s the SuperCab mannequin, which is much less pricy than the Crew Cab, however has much less passenger area. Clearly, the Chevrolet tows probably the most, and it has good facilities, however it’s costlier than the remaining. Moreover, I believe the Chevrolet is a bit simpler to drive in site visitors, however that might be simply me. All three vehicles are good drivers, however I extremely suggest that you simply take a look at drive them back-to-back if potential.

— N