Kia has started a car-sharing service with an unusual twist. Electrek reports that the company launched a first-of-its-kind remote car-sharing programme in Korea using the PV5 electric van. I have only seen a short summary, so I do not know how the remote driving works, who the users are or what safeguards are in place, and readers should look at the full report.
Remote driving means that a person operating from a distance controls a vehicle, usually through a video and data link. In car sharing, it could allow a vehicle to be delivered to a customer's location by a remote operator, or returned to a charging point, without someone sitting inside. That could reduce the cost and inconvenience of moving shared vehicles around.
The technology raises important questions. Network delays, connection loss and cybersecurity must be handled carefully, and regulators must decide when remote operation is allowed on public roads. The service is described as a first of its kind, which suggests that it may be closely watched by other companies and by authorities elsewhere.
The PV5 is a van designed for flexible uses, and Kia has been promoting it for business and passenger applications. A shared service could demonstrate how electric vans can be used in new ways. For customers, convenience and price will matter most. Watch for pilot results, such as safety records and customer feedback, and for any expansion beyond Korea. The experiment is a reminder that the future of mobility may involve services as well as vehicles.
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