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Kia launches remote driving car sharing pilot with PV5 electric van in South Korea

By Eve

Kia has begun a pilot car sharing programme in Pangyo, Gyeonggi Province, using its PV5 electric van with remote driving technology, running until the end of the year. Users reserve vehicles via app, and the PV5 drives itself to the pickup location without a driver, then is remotely returned to its garage via 4G or 5G after use. Kia received regulatory approval in April and formed a Remote Driving Consortium with Socar, KT and SUM in November 2025, demonstrating the technology on public roads.

Why it matters

This pilot demonstrates how remote driving technology could reduce fleet ownership costs and operational burdens for businesses, potentially creating new demand for electric vans with autonomous capabilities. The model may influence future procurement strategies for shared mobility operators and corporate fleets seeking flexible, driver free vehicle deployment.

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Original title
“Kia launches first-of-its-kind remote driving car-sharing service with the PV5 EV van”
Published
16 October 2026
Updated
17 October 2026

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