Range anxiety? My switch to the Kia PV5 and my first long-distance trip

This year, the time had come: my lease was up, and I was faced with the big question of which car to get next. One thing was clear – I needed space. Space for my camera equipment for jobs, space for my family with two children, the stroller, and of course, the dog.

I chose the Kia PV5, my very first electric vehicle. After four months and my first big road trip to Germany, it's time for an honest review.

Why an electric car, anyway?

To be honest, my biggest concern was classic range anxiety – the fear of being stranded somewhere with an empty battery. You hear so many negative things about the range of electric cars. But when you look at the facts, the reality is quite different:

• Real-world range: The PV5 has a 71.2 kWh battery. Officially, it's rated at up to 412 km, but in real-world driving, I get between 300 and 400 km. For 90% of my daily commutes (mostly 10 to 50 km), that's more than enough.
• Self-generated fuel: The most compelling argument for me was generating my own energy. The idea of ​​simply producing the electricity for the car myself using the solar panels on the roof is still a bit of a mind-blower for me. It's simply the cheapest way to get from A to B.

Spaciousness and driving comfort

The PV5 is a true space miracle. What I find particularly impressive is:

• Plenty of space in the back: My wife can sit comfortably in the back between the two child seats without feeling cramped. There's plenty of legroom.
• Comfort & Style: The vegan leather seats are super comfortable and the huge infotainment display makes operation easy.
• Quietness: Compared to a conventional diesel bus, the PV5 is extremely quiet. You can practically only hear the wind, which makes traveling much more relaxing.

The ultimate test: From Austria to Germany

I wanted to know what the car was capable of, so I drove the entire route to Germany without stopping to charge. I started with 100% battery and arrived with 13% remaining.

The "range anxiety" quickly dissipated. Charging stations can now be found every 10 to 15 km. You might have to adjust your driving style a little, but it feels more like an upgrade than a sacrifice.

My conclusion after 4 months

In retrospect, switching from diesel/petrol to electric was a no-brainer for me. The combination of low maintenance costs, silent driving, and independence thanks to my own solar panels fits perfectly into my current phase of life. The PV5 looks futuristic, offers the space I need as a videographer and father, and is simply fun to drive.