The UK Road Safety Authority is testing the new Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric crossover.
October 06, 2026, 18:00
Serhii Ivanov – reviewer for autocentre.ua. He specializes in covering major events in the global automotive industry and reviewing new models. An expert in automotive history, he is the author of numerous publications and books on this topic.
The UK’s National Highways agency has officially launched a comprehensive road testing program for the latest full-size electric crossover, the Hyundai Ioniq 9. The agency has incorporated four experimental units of this eco-friendly Korean model into its patrol fleet. These vehicles are already on duty to assess their performance on key highways and motorways in England. If the tests are successful, National Highways management plans to secure a large-scale commercial contract for purchasing a significant number of such electric SUVs by the end of 2026.
The exterior design of the seven-seater electric cars was completely redesigned by experts from the renowned British body shop Richell Vehicle Conversions. The bodies feature a bright yellow-green reflective livery typical of traffic enforcement vehicles, and a thin LED light fixture with amber and red flashing lights was installed on the roof. Additional special signals were integrated into the front bumper, rearview mirrors, and trunk doors, while a programmable electronic display was mounted at the back to show textual warnings to drivers. The patrol cabin is equipped with fixed CCTV cameras for round-the-clock surveillance and a powerful 100-watt speaker.
The patrol versions feature a unique dual-circuit power system. Additionally, an auxiliary battery with a capacity of 240 Ah was installed in the trunk to power specialized equipment. It is completely isolated from the standard 110 kWh traction battery that powers the crossover.
For reference, the production Hyundai Ioniq 9 has a range of up to 620 km according to the WLTP standard, along with an advanced 800-volt electric architecture that allows it to be charged at ultra-fast charging stations in just 20-24 minutes.
“AC” Note
The Traffic Officers service of the National Highways agency in the UK falls under civilian rather than police authorities. Officers on these teams do not have the authority to arrest drivers, issue fines, or enter vehicles. Their primary tasks are patrolling motorways, assisting drivers in case of breakdowns, dealing with accident consequences, and promptly closing down emergency lanes.
The introduction of the large Hyundai Ioniq 9 SUVs is part of a program to transition government agencies to eco-friendly transportation. Its spacious interior allows easy storage of heavy rescue equipment, cones, and signs, while its long range and fast charging ensure high efficiency without prolonged stops for recharging.
SUV
Electric vehicles
Hyundai
Ioniq
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