The Queensland Police Service plans to only have hybrid and plug-in hybrid sedans and SUVs in its fleet within two years.
It says it has also started suitability testing of EVs, though hasn’t specified which vehicles it’s looking at or set any introduction dates or fleet targets other than to say it is looking to a “full electric vehicle future in the years to come”.
Currently, 71 per cent of QPS’ sedan and SUV fleet consists of hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Camry and RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV.
However, the hybrid goal doesn’t include its paddy wagons and utes – understandable, given the dearth of electrified utes and vans in Australia.
Looking at entire fleet composition, Logan District in the state’s south-east is leading with 46 per cent hybridisation.
Brisbane Region and Southeast Region, which cover the most populous part of Queensland, are sitting at 40 per cent.
“The very nature of operational policing means our officers are constantly on the move,” said Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler.
“We know the vehicles must be fit for purpose, reliable and able to be used in challenging circumstances.
“We are aiming to achieve a 100 percent hybrid sedan and SUV fleet within two years, subject to supply constraints and operational requirements.
“This is not only extremely important for the environment in terms of reducing emissions, but also helps to offset the rises in fuel and operational costs we are all experiencing.”
“Police will be adopting a ‘hybrid first’ policy for its sedans and SUV fleet, and will progressively replace all non-hybrids with new, more efficient hybrid vehicles,” said Queensland Police Minister Mark Ryan.
“We will always provide the very best tools and technology to our police, and today’s announcement is just another example of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to give our dedicated officers the greatest equipment available.”
The Palaszczuk Labor Government has set a goal to achieve 70 per cent renewable energy for Queensland by 2032. The QPS will look to leverage its rooftop solar assets when it starts adding EVs to its fleet.
The QPS added five hydrogen fuel-cell Hyundai Nexo crossovers to its fleet last year, which have been deployed to demonstrate the benefits of FCEVs to the force and to showcase the technology to the public.
The force says its vehicles collectively clock around 212,638 kilometres each day, 1.5 million kilometres each week and 77 million kilometres per year.
