Image: HyundaiAccording to a recent report from Yonhap News, KNPA had originally planned to replace 500 of its ageing ICE vans with new ICE units in 2027. Following the energy crisis triggered by the war in Iran and its wider effect on the Middle East, it has decided to acquire electric vans instead of ICE ones and complete the replacement this year itself.KNPA plans to replace its old ICE vans with Hyundai’s Staria Electric, which the company launched in its domestic market just last Thursday, 23 April. The homegrown automaker offers the new electric MPV in multiple configurations, with prices ranging from 57.92 million won (approx. €33,500 euros) to 89.22 million won (approx. €51,600 euros). Official vehicles are not eligible for EV subsidies.A KNPA official said that the agency is currently discussing the budget with financial authorities. The agency requires an additional 13.5 billion won (approx. €7.8 million euros) over the budget it originally planned for new ICE vans. While the ICE vans KNPA typically uses for administrative and investigative purposes cost around 33 million won (approx. €19,100 euros), the electric ones cost nearly double at about 60 million won (approx. €34,700 euros).The Staria Electric features an 84 kWh battery pack and a single, front-mounted motor that generates 160 kW and 350 Nm of torque. The battery pack has an operating voltage of 697 volts and can be charged from 10 per cent to 80 per cent SoC in approximately 20 minutes via a 350 kW charger. Hyundai claims a maximum energy efficiency of 4.1 km/kWh and a maximum range of 387 kilometres on a single charge.KNPA previously set a target of converting 40 per cent of its fleet to eco-friendly vehicles by 2035, and now it is aiming for an even higher level. As of 15 March, the agency had 17,625 vehicles, of which roughly 11 per cent were eco-friendly models, including 1,711 EVs and 173 hydrogen vehicles.koreabizwire.com, yna.co.kr (Korean)