Government to Transition 17,600 Police Vehicles to Electric and Hydrogen by 2035

The government is accelerating the electrification of the public sector, starting with the transition of police vehicles to electric and hydrogen models. By 2035, all new police vehicles, excluding special vehicles, will be converted to electric and hydrogen.

On July 30, the Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment announced a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Interior and Safety and the National Police Agency at the Gangnam Police Station in Seoul, marking the launch of a project to promote the transition of police vehicles to electric models.

Attendees included Minister of Climate Energy and Environment Kim Sung-hwan, Minister of Interior and Safety Yoon Ho-jung, and Acting Commissioner of the National Police Agency Yoo Jae-sung. The three agencies agreed to enhance the transition to electric and hydrogen police vehicles and establish a collaborative framework among relevant departments.

Currently, there are approximately 17,600 police vehicles operating nationwide. As of the end of last month, electric and hydrogen vehicles accounted for only 2,185, or 12.4%, of the total.

The National Police Agency purchases or leases about 1,908 vehicles annually. The government plans to ensure that all new police vehicles purchased or leased, excluding some special vehicles, will be electric or hydrogen by 2035.

The government expects that electric vehicles, which have quick acceleration and low noise, will enhance police response capabilities. In the long term, it also aims to introduce patrol cars equipped with specialized driving and safety features for police work.

The Gangnam Police Station will be designated as the first eco-friendly police station. It will convert 22 internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles and install nine 200 kW fast chargers at six district police stations and precincts, including Yeoksam, Nonhyeon, Cheongdam, Samsung, and Sinsa.

Based on the results of this pilot project, the Ministry of Climate Energy and Environment plans to expand eco-friendly police stations to other regional police stations. It will also continue to identify large-scale demands for electric and hydrogen vehicle transitions in both the public and private sectors.

Minister Kim stated, "The transition of police vehicles to electric and hydrogen models signifies that our police are taking the lead in addressing the national challenge of carbon neutrality. We will spare no administrative and financial support to promote the electrification of all modes of transportation in the public sector."