WA Police to trial EV and FCEV patrol cars

Two zero-emissions vehicles have joined the WA Police Force fleet as part of a nation-first trial to evaluate their suitability for future applications within the force in line with the state government’s Western Australian Climate Policy.

The battery-electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD and hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai FCEV will be thrown headlong into active duty over the coming months, kitted out with all the usual police gadgetry and the eye-catching WA Police Force corporate colours.

Neither vehicle makes a secret of their eco-friendly powertrains, each brandishing ‘driving towards zero emissions’ slogans across their back windows, underlined by another sticker specifying their fuel type.

The trial was launched formally yesterday at the Kwinana Motorplex, where WA Police assistant commissioner Allan Adams revealed the IONIQ 5 would be trialled both as part of the State Traffic division as well as general duties at the Midland, Rockingham, Geraldton and Bunbury police stations.

“We’re excited to see the WA Police Force put IONIQ 5 EV through its paces,” a Hyundai Australia spokesperson told carsales.

“It’s a great real-world test for IONIQ 5, under tough operating conditions, and assessed by some of the most highly trained and experienced drivers on the road.

“We’re confident IONIQ 5 has the performance and range to deliver in a Police operational environment.”

The futuristic Toyota Mirai, meanwhile, will be trialled exclusively in Fremantle on account of the scarce availability of hydrogen in WA.

“As part of our commitment to a sustainable future, Toyota Australia launched the second-generation Toyota Mirai in April 2021 for lease by progressive businesses and organisations,” a Toyota Australia spokesperson said.

“Toyota Australia is delighted to have announced a trial of a Mirai FCEV together with the Western Australia Police Force for potential future frontline policing applications.

“We look forward to working with the WA state government and WA Police on this exciting project.”

Both brands have reiterated their excitement over being involved in the trial, with each eagerly looking forward to seeing how their respective vehicles go in a high-pressure application.

For those not quite up to speed yet, the dual-motor Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD is powered by a pair of electric motors developing a combined 225kW/605Nm and drawing current from a 72.6kWh lithium-ion battery.

That commodious battery yields the IONIQ 5 a WLTP driving range of up to 430km.

The Toyota Mirai by contrast relies on a hydrogen fuel-cell for propulsion with headline figures of 134kW/300Nm.

While significantly down on power compared to the Hyundai, the Mirai has a claimed WLTP range of 650km and can be completely refuelled in a matter of minutes.

Australian state police forces continue to trial a range of vehicles for both patrol and general duties following the demise of the Ford Falcon and Holden Commodore in 2016 and 2017 respectively, and the subsequent enlistment of the BMW 530d, Chrysler 300 SRT and Kia Stinger GT.

However, the latter models are now under a cloud following the axing of the Chrysler brand in Australia in late 2021 and the uncertainty about whether the Kia Stinger will be replaced. Kia continues to sell strong supplies of the Stinger, which is employed by Queensland police, while the last few examples of Chrysler 300s continue to trickle out to customers.

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