The Kia PV5 EV passenger van is getting a camper makeover, and it is the kind of idea that makes perfect sense the second you see it. A Dutch company called Vantrack is turning the people mover into the Vantrack PV5/LightCamp, a compact setup aimed at road trips, outdoor escapes, and simple overnight living without a giant RV footprint.
The PV5 already picked up attention by landing the “Family Car of the Year” award at the 2026 Auto Express New Car Awards, and that makes the conversion feel even more on-brand. The praise focused on its flexibility, roomy cabin, and usefulness for modern families, which is exactly the kind of foundation a camper conversion needs.
Vantrack says the PV5/LightCamp will be based on the PV5 Passenger Essential model and should start at 65,000 Euros in Europe. The van is currently built in South Korea and sold there and in Europe, while a U.S. launch looks unlikely for now because of tariffs unless Kia shifts production to an American plant.
The conversion itself keeps things clean and lightweight instead of loading the van with bulky hardware. Vantrack describes it as a new kind of mobility setup that opens into a living space for adventure, relaxation, sports, and connection, and that message is backed up by the hardware inside.
At the center of the package is a slide-out bed that measures 51 inches by 75 inches, paired with two Luxemat air mattresses that inflate with an electric pump. It is a simple approach, but that is part of the appeal because it gives owners a real sleeping setup without swallowing the whole cabin.
The roof treatment is where the van gets a little more playful. Vantrack adds a skylight that connects to a ZELT rooftop tent, and the opening includes both an insect screen and a blackout shade so the setup can handle warm evenings and early sun without feeling crude.
Cooking gets its own removable station, which is a smart move for a van that has to work as both transport and temporary living space. The setup includes induction burners, built-in storage, and the ability to pull the whole unit out when the driver wants the interior cleared for everyday use.
Vantrack also packs in some useful comfort gear, including an 11-liter water system, an 18-liter compressor cool box, 230-volt power, and climate control while parked. Add in the awning system for shade, and the result is a setup that feels ready for weekend use right away rather than waiting for a long list of aftermarket extras.
That practical bent is what makes the PV5/LightCamp stand out. It is not trying to pretend it is a massive luxury motorhome, and it does not need to, because the whole pitch is about making a small electric van do more with less.
Vantrack showed a preview of the vehicle in April 2026, and the full launch is planned for September 2026. The base PV5 Passenger Essential uses a 118-horsepower electric motor, front-wheel drive, and a 51.5kWh lithium-ion polymer battery, with WLTP range figures of 265 city miles and 183 miles combined.
That kind of range will matter a lot for buyers who want a camper they can actually trust on real trips, not just short spins around town. The PV5/LightCamp may not be heading to the U.S. soon, but it is a strong sign that compact EV vans can be more than commuter boxes when a clever converter gets hold of them.
