Kia has unveiled police patrol vehicle concepts based on its EV5 electric SUV and PV5 electric van at the 2026 International Public Security Industry Exhibition in South Korea. The company is positioning the vehicles as part of a broader push into public-sector electric mobility, with this year's expo theme focused on AI and robotics for security.
The EV5 is pitched as a spacious patrol SUV, with up to 965 liters of luggage capacity and an added equipment board for storing gear. The PV5-based AI Patrol Car goes further, featuring three 4K AI cameras that can detect weapons or people collapsing, plus a roof-mounted drone with thermal imaging and 90X zoom for surveillance. The drone recharges from a docking station while the van is on the move.
According to Electrek, Kia developed the AI patrol cars with the Korean National Police Agency and has been running training programs to implement electric vehicles. The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Wide Area Prevention Patrol Division has been operating the AI Patrol Cars since July. A Kia official said the company intends to showcase the competitiveness of its electrified mobility for police use, and it plans to continue developing custom solutions for police and other public sector customers. The report also notes that electric vehicles are well suited to police work because of instant torque, lower maintenance, and quiet operation, with other departments already using electric patrol cars from Ford and Tesla.