Two e-vehicles are about to be trialed by the Western Australia (WA) Police Force for potential future frontline policing applications.

A Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle and a Toyota Mirai H₂ fuel cell electric vehicle will be trialed in an operational environment and have been fitted with WA Police Force corporate branding, police radio, lights and sirens.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Allan Adams said that the acquisition of the cars is part of the Western Australian Climate Policy, which outlines key government actions for a climate-resilient community and the transition to net zero emissions.

“The WA Police Force has initiated research and testing of ‘green’ vehicles that may be suitable for operational policing,” Assistant Commissioner, Allan Adams said. “Toyota and Hyundai have kindly provided vehicles to the WA Police Force for the purpose of a long-term full operational trial.” 

A Hyundai Ioniq 5 electric vehicle will be trialed at State Traffic, Midland, Rockingham, Geraldton and Bunbury Police Stations. The Toyota Mirai H₂ fuel cell electric vehicle will be trialed in the Fremantle District.

Suitability of the vehicles will be evaluated at the conclusion of the trials.