Kia PV5 WKNDR Is A Digital Detox Vehicle

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Will Overlanders Rejoice at Kia’s PV5 WKNDR?

Apparently, yes. Locals that CleanTechnica spoke with at the 125th New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) seem to be entirely in on the idea. But for those who appreciate the full alphabet, one thing about Kia’s adventure lineup is immediately noticeable: a vehement disregard for vowels. All vowels, that is, except for a stubborn ‘A’. I’d like to know more about that perplexing design choice later.

“The concept is sound. I read about the Kia WKNDR when it was revealed at SEMA, but to see it in person is something else. It’s a very versatile and practical concept,” said Tommy Castle (who shared that ‘Castle’ is the English translation of his real surname), a Poughkeepsie-based cybersecurity expert, auto enthusiast, and RV owner. Tommy, a self-proclaimed digital nomad, added, “I am retired and work from home. With an RV like this, I can take ‘work-from-anywhere’ to a different level.”

Another enthusiast, Amado Cuento, a middle-aged father of three, chef, and food truck owner, remarked, “It is crazy slick,” describing what he called “the Galileo Shuttle.” A self-proclaimed Trekkie, Cuento also appreciated the concept camper because it was “obviously designed by overlanders.” Perhaps his “live long and prosper” ethos extends to innovative vehicle design.

Embracing The Adventure Lifestyle? (Vowels Optional?)

During the brief media tour at NYIAS, Kia representatives stated that this rugged and innovative vehicle was “a clear and bold statement of intent,” offering a glimpse into the brand’s “ambitious future in recreational and adventure-focused electric mobility.” Indeed, it’s a statement of intent not to have vowels.

So, is Kia aggressively pushing into the adventure lifestyle market? Given the PV5 WKNDR’s presence and the buzz it generated, it certainly appears so. And while I was milling around the WKNDR, something even bigger was happening at the main stage: The Kia EV3, the very platform this concept camper is built on, had just won the prestigious 2025 World Car of the Year award.

This raises a pertinent question for the CleanTechnica audience: If the platform was successful enough to win such a coveted award, shouldn’t Kia demonstrate that its strengths are versatile enough to push into exciting new, potentially vowel-challenged, territories?

The Modern Explorer & Their… Facilities

Chef Cuento shared an interesting point about campers, RV owners, and overlanders in the US. His treatise revolved around the often-overlooked toilet situation. Campers, he explained, typically don’t rely on established toilets; they often dig a hole to do their business. State laws, according to him, may vary, but digging is often the basic action. In advanced parks, public toilets or Porta-lets are available. RV owners, while enjoying their mobile toilets and showers, also haul their “stuff” wherever they go, or until they can empty their tanks. Overlanders, however, often enjoy the best of both worlds, depending on how their vehicles are set up.

“Overlanders are built based on needs,” Cuento narrated, telling about his own 2020 J200 Land Cruiser, which he wishes had a hybrid engine. “My dream is to get a Rivian electric van that Amazon will get rid of and convert it into a mobile home.”

Kia’s theme for creating the WKNDR was laser-focused: engineer a vehicle for “digital detoxing” and spontaneous escape. By merging the quiet efficiency of an electric powertrain with the clever utility of a camper, Kia aims to build the ultimate companion for those looking to explore the great outdoors.

Robert Kean and his husband Nolan, from New Jersey, told me that the WKNDR felt too compact to be a permanent home. Robert mentioned it was time to “retire their 2017 Forest River Sunseeker and look for something that runs on batteries or at least a hybrid engine.” While the size of the EV van was a concern, they found the sleeping, utilities, and convenience options intriguing.

“We know the usefulness of solar panels on the roof, so that’s a check. Also, our current EV is bigger than what we currently need, so the WKNDR appears to be a great choice, if the concept goes into production,” Nolan, a retired nurse, told me. He then asked how charging would work if they planned to travel from East to West — a very practical question for any aspiring EV adventurer.

The answer is ChargePoint, which is the largest in the US. It has a unified payment and location app, as well as charge points for Type 2 and CCS for DC fast charging.

Built For The “Digital Detox” On An EV Platform

The PV5 WKNDR is packed with intelligent features that resonated with the enthusiast crowd, cleverly designed for extended off-grid adventures: (Text slightly paraphrased from the concept document.)

• Integrated Solar Panels: Seamlessly built into the vehicle’s roof, these panels are designed to supplement the battery, extending off-grid endurance and powering onboard accessories. This means more time enjoying nature, less time hunting for a charging station.
• Modular Interior: The cabin was a masterclass in flexibility. It featured a fully reconfigurable layout with a modular sleeping platform, demonstrating how a compact EV can transform into a comfortable and functional camper. Think Tetris, but for your weekend escape.
• Removable Rear Kitchen Drawer: One of the most talked-about features was a clever, slide-out kitchen unit integrated into the rear of the vehicle. This self-contained galley offers a practical solution for outdoor cooking without compromising valuable interior space. Fry up some veggie burgers under the stars!

• Rugged, Capable Design: The concept’s go-anywhere attitude was underscored by its durable exterior cladding and purposeful, oversized all-terrain tires, giving it a tough stance that looked ready to conquer trails far from the city pavement. It certainly looks the part of a true explorer.
• EV Power. Using the versatile EV3 platform, with variable battery arrangements and storage capacities plus PV charging theoretically can give the WKNDR EVerlasting power.

This is a vehicle designed for “digital detoxing” and spontaneous getaways. By combining the efficiency of an electric powertrain with the utility of a camper, Kia aimed to create the perfect companion for those looking to disconnect and explore the great outdoors.

Does Kia Hate Vowels? (Seriously, What’s Going On?)

Kia already has two EVs tailored for the adventure lifestyle. But for those of us who appreciate the full alphabet, one thing is immediately noticeable: a vehement disregard for vowels. All vowels, that is, except the letter ‘A.’ Why would Kia forgo all vowels but ‘A’? Isn’t that bordering on, dare I say, the ADVNTR and the WKNDR? Wait a minute! No fair! The ADVNTR actually has a vowel!

Nevertheless, I cannot fathom the disdain of Kia’s designers or nomenclature mavens for omitting vowels. Without them, Kia would just be… KA.

I asked my contact from Kia Philippines to find an explanation. That led to an email to the Kia Design, and her reply was (predictably, given the theme): “Nt sre, bt ‘m gnn sk Kr ppl.” The mystery, it seems, continues.