PSNI Test Drive Electric Car

The first ever electric car to be used by the PSNI has been taken for a spin by officers from the North Down Neighbourhood Policing Team.

The car has been loaned to C District by Vauxhall for approximately six weeks. Officers have been using the vehicle as part of their normal policing duties throughout the North Down area.

"As part of the PSNI’s commitment to reduce its impact on the environment a number of options are being examined to look at more economical and environmentally friendly ways to deliver our services to the public," said C District Superintendent Yvonne Davidson.

"The use of an electric car is one option that may be considered as we attempt to reduce our carbon footprint."

The Vauxhall runs at up to 235.4 mpg and with a range of up to 360 miles.

The car is not a hybrid, however, as the petrol engine acts a generator for the electric motor.

It can be charged at an estimated cost of £1.70. On a range of 8000 miles per annum, this is said to be the equivalent of running a fridge freezer for a year.

In electric mode, the cost per mile is £0.03 against an average of £0.11 per mile for a petrol vehicle.

"The Vauxhall Ampera is part of a PSNI pilot scheme looking at the pros and cons of using electric vehicles. Similar vehicles have been requested from other manufacturers and following their assessment PSNI will consider whether to add the electric vehicle to the fleet," Superintendent Davidson said.

"The four-seated Ampera uses a hybrid engine consisting of electric batteries capable of around 60 miles from a full charge, supported by a 1.4l Petrol engine which will activate if the charge drops below a predetermined level and charged through a normal 3 pin socket.

"I am pleased that the car is being tested within C District. Officers routinely take it out on patrol and they tell me they are impressed by the quiet engine and the efficient running of the vehicle."

(IT/CD)