National Highways, the UK agency responsible for traffic management, has begun testing four Hyundai Ioniq 9 electric SUVs. These vehicles are currently deployed on major motorways and A-roads across England to evaluate their performance for patrol duties.
The vehicles were modified by Richell Vehicle Conversions. The upgrades include high-visibility livery, emergency lighting systems, CCTV cameras, and a 100W bullhorn. To power this equipment, the firm installed a dedicated 240 Ah auxiliary battery system separate from the main 110 kWh battery.
While the standard Ioniq 9 offers a range of 385 miles, or 620 km, the impact of the added equipment and aerodynamic drag on this range remains under assessment. The vehicle utilizes an 800-volt architecture for rapid charging.
National Highways traffic officers are civilian personnel rather than police. They hold the authority to stop and direct traffic or close motorway lanes, though they cannot perform arrests or vehicle searches. The agency plans to consider further purchases of the model later in 2026 if the current trials prove successful.
