New Zealand Police unveils fully electric patrol car

New Zealand Police has today unveiled that it will begin trialing multiple fully electric patrol cars on the front line over the next six months.

The model of choice is the BMW i4 which was selected on the basis that it met most of the performance targets for an operational vehicle while keeping its carbon footprint to a minimum, as well as meeting existing project funding requirements.

Five units will take to the streets across the country for an initial assessment and if they prove to be successful, Police will consider transitioning suitable parts of its fleet to fully electric.

Late last year, New Zealand Police announced that it would make use of both the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kona EVs for non-operational use. Combined with the new EV patrol cars, the electric fleet will be made up of 45 vehicles.

The initiative will also see the installation of associated charging infrastructure at police stations and headquarters. By going electric, New Zealand Police estimates that it will reduce its carbon emissions by 176.1 tonnes per year.

“Police vehicles are fundamental to our ability to serve the public and provide safer communities across New Zealand,” says Police Commissioner Andrew Coster.

“We are proud to take these new steps seeking to reduce transport-related emissions while keeping New Zealanders safe.”

The project is supported by $1.7 million in co-funding from the State Sector Decarbonisation Fund, administered by EECA (the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority).