Kia unveiled police versions of its electric PV5 van and EV5 SUV on October 21 at an exhibition in Incheon, South Korea. The two vehicles are concepts, but a different AI-equipped PV5 patrol van has already been operating with Seoul police since July.
The showcase vehicles demonstrate possible police vehicles for the future, while the AI van is undergoing a real-world trial. Further deployments will be considered after its results are evaluated.
The PV5 Patrol Concept Makes Room for Officers and Equipment
Kia’s announcement calls the event the 2026 International Public Security Industry Exhibition, held from October 21 to 24 at Songdo Convensia. Its theme focuses on AI and robotics in policing.
The PV5 patrol concept is designed to transport several people and carry police equipment. A low floor and sliding doors make entry and exit easier, while the spacious cabin allows officers to store and use equipment on patrol.
The approach follows the flexible van concept described in EVXL’s earlier PV5 preview. The model used for this is an altered version specifically for policing.
The EV5 Patrol SUV Adds Organized Cargo Storage
The EV5 concept takes a conventional SUV approach, with a luggage board for organizing police supplies. Kia quotes 34.1 cubic feet (965 liters) of cargo space using the SAE method, or 20.0 cubic feet (566 liters) under the VDA standard. The figures measure the same vehicle differently, not two alternative interior configurations.
Police markings and emergency lighting distinguish the display vehicles. Peter Johnson’s Electrek report also describes sirens, though Kia’s release focuses on practical cabin changes.
EVXL previously covered the EV5’s wider global rollout. Kia presented the EV5 police vehicle as a concept, with no confirmed plans to manufacture it for police fleets.
A Different PV5 With Cameras and a Drone Is Already on Patrol
Kia developed the AI patrol vehicle with South Korea’s National Police Agency during the first half of 2026. Built from a five-seat PV5 Passenger, it carries three roof-mounted 4K AI cameras and a drone station to support coordinated ground and aerial patrols. Screens inside and at the rear assist officers responding at a scene.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency’s wide-area preventive patrol unit has been operating the van since July. Kia says further vehicles depend on trial results. This is not a nationwide order.
Kia’s official exhibition photographs show the two patrol concepts, not the AI van in service. Its announcement does not include measured detection accuracy or evidence that the equipment improves response times.
Kia Is Training Police to Operate Electric Vehicles
From June through August, Kia trained police vehicle personnel in Seoul, Busan and South Gyeongsang Province on EV construction, battery management and safe operation. Kia plans to continue with further training alongside the National Police Agency’s fleet electrification efforts.
Kia also intends to develop more purpose-built vehicles for police and other public services. The October exhibition provides a look at those possibilities, not a confirmed order for either displayed concept.
EVXL’s Take
The meaningful development is the AI van already working in Seoul, rather than another display of electric police cars. Its cameras and drone station create opportunities for patrol work, but their usefulness will depend on what officers learn and use during the trial.
The regular PV5’s easy access and the EV5’s organized storage are more straightforward benefits. Before treating either concept as a fleet solution, Kia needs to show what police agencies actually order and how the vehicles perform on duty.
EVXL uses automated tools to support research and source retrieval. All reporting is by Damien Kesteloo, edited by Haye Kesteloo.
