Queensland’s police force is embracing the future with the unveiling of its first electric patrol car, set to become a standout addition to the fleet. The eye-catching vehicle, a Kia EV6 GT, boasts a vibrant yellow exterior, retro styling, and an officer claimed it would be the “most powerful vehicle in our fleet.”
This marks a significant move towards sustainability, as Queensland plans to test five electric models over the next year, each deployed in different regions across the state. The announcement follows similar initiatives across Australia, including Western Australia Police’s inclusion of electric and hydrogen vehicles in their fleet and New South Wales Police deploying an electric car for highway patrols.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl explained that five electric vehicles, customized Kia EV6 GTs known for their quick acceleration, will be used for highway patrols in Brisbane, Nambour, Ipswich, Toowoomba, and Cairns. The goal is to assess their performance and range in various driving conditions and environments, such as the demanding Toowoomba range and the wet tropics of Cairns.
These electric patrol cars, expected to join the fleet in three months, will operate alongside the nearly 80 hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles currently used by Queensland police. Mr. Vanderbyl expressed that the transition to a fully electric fleet for the police force’s nearly 3000 vehicles is “inevitable,” given the increasing adoption of electric vehicles in the broader community.
The move towards electric vehicles in law enforcement is gaining momentum across Australia. Western Australia Police recently launched a trial of zero-emission vehicles, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric car and Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle. In May, NSW Police introduced an electric BMW iX SUV to its highway patrol service, while Victoria Police has been using Tesla electric vehicles in its highway patrol fleet since 2019.
Source: AAP via Perthnow
