After confirming last year that it was investigating adding plug-in hybrids to its fleet, the New Zealand Police have shown off their first decorated Skoda Superb iV PHEV frontline car.
The electrified Superb has commenced operational testing in Wellington. This will see it used by frontline police staff, each of whom will offer their feedback on the model. This will then be factored into discussions on more widespread adoption.
The pictured, fully decorated police car is one of three that the constabulary have purchased. The other two models are being used as an executive pool car and an unmarked operational vehicle.
The NZ Police has also been monitoring the use of electric police vehicles in overseas regions like the UK. It adds it will soon start testing EVs for use in other police roles.
“In a separate area of work, Police is looking to soon test various EV makes and models to act as pool cars, for non-operational use,” it says.
Apart from featuring an added plug in the grille, the newly minted frontline Superb iV can be spotted via a green strip at the base of the doors featuring the text ‘Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle’.
“There is an expectation on us to decarbonise our fleet but vehicles have to be fully operational and fit for purpose to meet our operational requirements,” says Inspector Brian Yanko, Manager Fleet Service Group.
“That means they need to help keep our people safe and the New Zealand public safe.
“No vehicle gets a free pass. We won’t put it in the fleet because it’s cool and trendy – it has to meet our operational requirements.”
The unveiling follows a successful test of the Superb iV at Manfeild Circuit Chris Amon. In its statement the NZ Police said the model “performed well”.
Although testing is still in progress, Yanko says that the Superb iV will not be suitable for deployment in 24/7 metro environments “where the engine never gets to cool down”. On the flipside he believes the iV will be suitable for use in most other areas, including rural areas, due to its combined 930km range.
The statement adds that the NZ Police aim to adopt ‘non-petrol’ and/or ‘decarbonised’ vehicles as they evolve and improve over time. It adds that the NZ Police are in discussions with Skoda New Zealand regarding its future electric vehicle programme.
This almost certainly means that the NZ Police will put the Enyaq iV, Skoda’s first BEV, under the microscope when it arrives in New Zealand. It’s estimated that the model will arrive in a factory capacity in 2023.
“We are interested in anything that has potential to meet the requirements of frontline and other areas of policing in New Zealand,” adds Yanko.
