Kia’s EV5 SUV And PV5 Van Get Police Patrol Versions

Kia is expanding the potential uses of its electric vehicles with new police patrol concepts based on the EV5 electric SUV and PV5 electric van. The company showcased both vehicles at the 2026 International Public Security Industry Exhibition in South Korea as part of its effort to develop lower-emission police vehicles.

The EV5 and PV5 patrol concepts feature custom emergency lights, sirens, and police branding. The exhibition’s theme, “A New Era of K-Public Security by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics,” also provided an opportunity for Kia to demonstrate its latest security technologies and equipment.

Kia says the EV5 is well suited to police work because of its interior space and luggage capacity of up to 965 liters. The SUV also features an additional luggage board to help officers store equipment and supplies.

Kia PV5 AI Patrol Van Uses Cameras And Drones

Kia has been working with the Korean National Police Agency to develop AI-equipped patrol vehicles and provide training programs supporting the adoption of electric vehicles. The PV5 AI Patrol Car is a five-seat electric van equipped with three 4K AI cameras and a drone landing pad mounted on its roof.

The vehicle’s front and rear cameras use artificial intelligence to identify potentially dangerous situations and automatically alert the driver. The system can detect weapons, including guns, knives, and bats, as well as emergencies such as a person collapsing.

A roof-mounted drone extends the vehicle’s surveillance capabilities. Its docking station allows the drone to recharge while the patrol van is in operation. The drone features advanced thermal imaging and 90X zoom, enabling it to read license plates and help locate people fleeing from authorities.

Kia’s AI patrol vehicles have been operating with the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s Wide Area Prevention Patrol Division since July 2025.

The company plans to continue developing specialized electric vehicle solutions for police departments and other public sector applications. A Kia official said the initiative is intended to demonstrate the capabilities of the company’s electrified mobility technology and its potential for police patrol duties.

Police departments are increasingly adopting electric vehicles for patrol duties, replacing gasoline-powered cruisers with battery-electric SUVs and vans. Models such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Kia EV5 and PV5 offer instant torque and quieter operation. Electric patrol vehicles also reduce tailpipe emissions.

Electric vehicles can help police departments reduce operating costs as rising gasoline prices put additional pressure on public budgets. Patrol vehicles often accumulate high mileage and spend hours on the road, making fuel expenses a significant fleet cost. Charging an EV typically costs less than refueling a gasoline-powered vehicle, while electric drivetrains require less routine maintenance because they have fewer moving parts and do not need oil changes.