Australia's first Kia PV5 camper arrives: the KombiLife Weekender
No auxiliary battery, no gas: the electric van that won over Europe and the UK is now a camper, built in Sydney.
Press release | 23 October 2026
Campbelltown, NSW – KombiLife Australia has unveiled the Kia PV5 Weekender, the first Kia PV5 camper in Australia, on sale now for $79,990 including GST plus on-road costs. The van makes its public debut at the Caravan and Camping Show in Canberra on 23 October 2026.
The PV5 was named 2026 International Van of the Year and has been well received in Europe and the UK. Built on Kia's dedicated electric van platform with a flat floor and a skateboard-style layout, it is an ideal base for conversion. KombiLife, working with Kata Camperbox, has turned it into a lightweight camper aimed at weekend escapes.
No auxiliary battery required
The Weekender dispenses with the traditional auxiliary battery system. 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. KombiLife has also developed a 12V solution that needs no 12V auxiliary battery to run interior lighting, cabin fans and the fridge.
“The PV5 has everything you want in a conversion base: a flat floor, generous space, a real 416 km of range and a price that's within reach,” said Mark Kofahl, Director, KombiLife Australia. “And because the van itself is the battery, we've been able to leave out the auxiliary battery system entirely.”
Utility Mode - Overnight On-board Auxiliary Heating & Cooling
The Kia PV5 Cargo features 'Utility Mode' - also described as a Camping Mode. This ensures either heating or cooling can remain operational throughout the night without the vehicle on. OVerhead lighting also works at all times. This alone is a tremendous bonus for all-season camper enthusiasts - winter or summer.
Easy to drive, easy to tour
“With the all-terrain tyres and compact dimensions, the manoeuvrability and turning circle are impressive, and the highway driving assist makes long-distance touring less fatiguing,” Mr Kofahl said. “The cabin also has a premium feel, with quality materials you wouldn't expect in a van at this price.”
Built for active travellers
The Weekender suits people who travel with their gear: mountain bikers and road cyclists heading to events, surfers and skiers chasing conditions, and anglers after the next spot. 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 1200 mm bed platform, and two removable VanEssa Mobilcamping packbags carry clothes for two.
Australian-designed protection and lighting
The Weekender is fitted with a nudge bar designed by KombiLife and fabricated in Australia by JJ to KombiLife's specification. It is ADR-compliant and carries two STEDI driving lights, one spot and one flood, for better night-time visibility.
The Weekender at a glance
- Sleeping: 1900 x 1200 mm bed platform with a custom folding mattress (75 mm high-density foam)
- Bike storage: room for a bike inside, between the bed and the side cabinet
- Kitchen: pull-out kitchen drawer with a Dometic dual-zone induction cooktop (no gas, no fumes) and two benchtop work areas for outdoor cooking
- Fridge: 30L Dometic drawer fridge/freezer built into the cabinetry
- Water: Dometic electric tap, 11L portable water container and 10L collapsible sink with holder, all removable
- Storage: side storage cabinet, two removable VanEssa Mobilcamping packbags (T5/T6 model for the PV5), rear barn door storage bags and front seat organiser
- Power: V2L-powered 240V appliances and an auxiliary-battery-free 12V system
- Living: folding and drop-down tables, plus driver and passenger swivel seats that turn the cab into a lounge
- Light build: cabinetry weighs just 130 kg to protect payload and range
- Off-road and exterior: Falken Wildpeak all-terrain tyres, Eco Camper stealth awning, ADR-compliant nudge bar with STEDI spot and flood lights
- Electric: 71.2 kWh battery, up to 416 km WLTP range, 120 kW / 250 Nm, DC fast charging from 10 to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes
- Coverage: Kia's 7-year unlimited-kilometre warranty (balance remaining) and an 8-year / 160,000 km battery warranty
A pop-top roof for the PV5 is due in 2027, adding stand-up room and a roof bed. The Kia PV5 Passenger is also due in Australia in the coming months, giving KombiLife more PV5 options to build on.
Availability: The Weekender is available through KombiLife Campbelltown, 3/11 Mill Road. See the Kia PV5 Weekender EV Camper listing for full details.
Extra link: Official Kia PC5 Cargo Brochure - 2026
Media contact: Mark Kofahl, mark@kombilife.com.au | 02 9239 4100 | kombi@kombilife.com.au
About KombiLife Australia
KombiLife Australia, operated by Crosspaths Group Pty Ltd, specialises in parts and distribution for van builders across Australia, and offers complete van builds on request. It operates from workshops in Campbelltown (Sydney) and Burleigh Heads (Gold Coast).
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