Chinese-made police cars will soon be on patrol in Queensland, but don’t expect them to chase criminals.
MG revealed HS plus EV plug-in hybrid SUVs (PHEVs) will soon serve in the Queensland Police Service (QPS), where they will be driven by Police Liaison Officers.
45 examples of mid-size PHEV SUVs will be used by QPS, each decorated with First Nations artwork, with three vehicles allocated to each of the 15 policing districts.
This is believed to be the first time a Chinese-made car has been used as a police vehicle in Australia. HS SUVs have been used as vehicles with unmarked speed cameras in New South Wales.
“We help parents go to work, play sports, shop and are also proud to support the QLD Police Force not only to respond to incidents but also to improve the quality of life. and enhance public safety through collaboration between police officers and member communities,” said MG Motor Australia CEO Peter Ciao.
Police liaison officers liaise with specific communities to “promote cooperation and understanding” and, among other responsibilities, advise police officers on cultural beliefs and etiquette. and help create and maintain communication between the community and the police.
QPS said it has conducted independent tests and assessments to ensure students are fit for their duties in QPS.
It is targeting a 100% hybrid and SUV fleet by 2025.
Once deployed, HS will join more and more conventional hybrid vehicles Toyota Camry, RAV4 And Kluger models, with QPS also planning to roll out more electrified Mitsubishi and Kias.
Dip into the mixture Mitsubishi Outlanders has been in use for some time as a vehicle with speed cameras, and QPS has confirmed that more than two-thirds of its sedan and SUV fleet are electrified.
QPS plans to have only hybrid and plug-in hybrid sedans and SUVs in its fleet Within two years as part of a “hybrid first” policy.
It confirmed late last year that it had also begun testing EV suitability, though hasn’t specified what vehicles it’s considering or set any rollout dates or fleet goals beyond saying that it is aiming for an “all-electric future in the coming years”.
QPS added five hydrogen fuel cells Hyundai NEXO cross into its fleet in 2021was deployed to demonstrate the benefits of FCEV to the force and to introduce the technology to the public.
Its hybrid target excludes rice carts and trucks – understandably, given the scarcity of electric vehicles and trucks in Australia.
Looking at the entire fleet composition, Logan County in the southeast of the state has the lead with 46 percent of hybrid vehicles as of November 2022.
The Brisbane Area and the South East Region, which includes Queensland’s most populous area, are at 40% on the same spot.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler said: “The nature of the policing operation means that our officers are constantly on the move.
“We know vehicles have to be fit for purpose, reliable and usable under difficult circumstances.
“We are aiming to reach 100% of the hybrid sedan and SUV fleet within two years, subject to supply constraints and operating requirements.
“Not only is this extremely important for the environment in terms of reducing emissions, but it also helps offset the increase in fuel and operating costs we are all experiencing.”
The force says its vehicles total about 212,638 kilometers per day, 1.5 million kilometers per week and 77 million kilometers per year.
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