Australia's first Kia PV5 campervan breaks cover
Sydney's KombiLife rolls out turnkey Weekender model based on latest Korean plug-in van, priced from $80KThe battery-powered campervan movement in Australia is gathering pace, with Sydney's KombiLife recently unveiling Australia's first EV campervan conversion based on the just-released Kia PV5 Cargo van.
KombiLife displayed its Kia PV5-based Weekender campervan at the recent 2026 Canberra Caravan Lifestyle Expo, with holiday-ready pricing of $79,990 plus on-road costs.
Clever collaboration
KombiLife says it worked with Sydney's Kata Camperbox, to create the Weekender model, which gets just about everything you need for a comfy, self-contained camping getaway.
"The Weekender dispenses with the traditional auxiliary battery system," explained KombiLife Australia Director Mark Kofahl.
"Instead, it draws on the PV5's own 71.2 kWh traction battery through its vehicle-to-load (V2L) outlet. That is enough to run the standard Dometic Twin Station induction cooker, a kettle, toaster, microwave or other household appliances within the V2L output."
All-in-one electricals
Kofahl said KombiLife also developed a 12V solution that doesn't require a 12V auxiliary battery to run interior lighting, cabin fans or the 30L fridge.
"The PV5 has everything you want in a conversion base: a flat floor, generous space, a real 416km of range and a price that's within reach," he said.
"And because the van itself is the battery, we've been able to leave out the auxiliary battery system entirely."
He said the PV5 also comes with an "amazing and game changing" Utility Mode feature that "allows the air conditioning or cabin heating to be operated overnight".
Based on initial driving impressions, Kofahl reckons the plug-in Kia PV5 shapes up as a great base for highway and B-road cruising and touring.
"With the all-terrain tyres and compact dimensions, the maneuverability and turning circle are impressive, and the highway driving assist makes long-distance touring less fatiguing," he said.
"The cabin also has a premium feel, with quality materials you wouldn't expect in a van at this price."
Versatile interior
The fit-out caters for outdoor adventure-seeking travellers, with room to carry surfboards, skis and even a mountain bike.
"The layout is designed so a bike can be stored inside the van, between the bed and the side cabinet. It also suits singles and couples touring, with a 1900 x 1200mm bed platform, and two removable VanEssa Mobilcamping packbags carry clothes for two," he said.
The KombiLife Weekender also comes fitted with a customised, ADR-compliant nudge bar incorporating driving, spot and flood lights, along with an awning, 11L portable water container, 10L collapsible sink and an electric tap.
For storage, there's also a side cabinet, rear barn door bags and front seat organiser, while the cabinetry weighs in at just 130kg, to protect payload and range, according to Kofahl.
The road ahead
KombiLife said it will offer a pop-top roof option for the PV5 Weekender sometime in 2027, to create stand-up room and add another sleeping option with a roof bed.
The company also plans to offer camper conversions for the Kia PV5 Passenger model, which is due to arrive in Australia soon.
The new KombiLife Weekender adds to a growing number of turnkey battery-powered campervans now available down under, including the Farizon Traveller 6 from Queensland's Bartons Group, and Ford BEV Transit conversions from Sydney's Frontline.
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