South Korea intends to acquire only emission-free police cars going forward.

As a key step toward promoting clean mobility in the public sector, South Korea has announced plans for all future new police vehicles to be battery-electric or hydrogen-powered. The government aims to achieve this goal by 2035.

A few days ago, the Ministry of Interior and Security (MOIS), the Korean National Police Agency (KNPA), and the Ministry of Climate, Energy, and Environment (MCEE) signed a memorandum of intent to implement this new initiative at the Gangnam police station in Seoul. During the event, the three agencies also launched a pilot project for an eco-friendly police station.

The South Korean police fleet currently consists of around 17,600 vehicles. As of the end of June 2026, only 2,185 units—12.4 percent of the fleet—were electric or hydrogen models. Based on procurement data from 2023 to 2025, the KNPA purchases or leases around 1,900 new vehicles each year.

Apart from certain specialized vehicles, South Korea aims to convert all newly acquired or leased police cars to electric and hydrogen models by 2035. The government expects the superior performance and quiet operation of these emission-free vehicles to significantly improve police effectiveness. It is also stated that “Software-Defined Vehicles” (SDVs) could enhance the perceived quality of public security services.

As part of the pilot project, the government will replace 22 internal combustion engine vehicles used by units under the Gangnam Police Station with electric vehicles. Additionally, nine 200-kW fast charging stations will be installed at six locations.

The pilot project at the Gangnam Police Station serves not only as a test for broader implementation but also aims to increase acceptance of electric vehicles among police officers. Yoo Jae-sung, the current chief of the KNPA, said the agency will accelerate its efforts to identify more locations for this pilot initiative.

mois.go.kr

This article by Sagar Parikh originally appeared in our English-language edition, electrive.com.