Hyundai has secured an initial contract to supply 180 Kona Electric 64kWh vehicles to Police Scotland, its biggest pure electric fleet deal so far.
Police Scotland chose the model for its 300-mile range, technology, practicality and immediate availability and Hyundai will begin supplying the cars this month, with the full allocation delivered by March 2021.
The vehicles will join other EVs already operating in the Police Scotland fleet.
Deputy chief constable Will Kerr said Police Scotland’s Fleet Strategy is highly ambitious, with the aim of having the UK’s first ultra-low emission blue light fleet by 2030.
He added: “This substantial contract marks a major step towards that goal by making ULEVs accessible to more of our officers and staff.
“Achieving our Fleet Strategy aims will significantly reduce carbon emissions, while also reducing maintenance and servicing costs. It’s one of many strides the organisation is taking to achieve a sustainable, flexible service which meets the needs of our fellow citizens while also providing a modern, fit-for-purpose fleet for our people to use in the course of their work.
“The gradual transition of our unmarked fleet from our current internal combustion engine vehicles to ULEVs will also assist with improving the existing fleet, as the age and mileage thresholds for replacing existing vehicles is being reduced. This means officers will have use of more modern vehicles while reducing maintenance and repair costs, at the same time as increasing the resilience of our contingency fleet.”
Ashley Andrew, managing director of Hyundai Motor UK, said demand for its electric vehicles from fleets has been exceptionally high in recent months and looks set to continue as the company move towards a zero-emission future.
He explained: “We are delighted to be able to support Police Scotland in their determination to transform to an ultra-low emission fleet with the immediate supply of a number of Kona Electric vehicles. Police Scotland’s approach to cutting greenhouse gases by switching to more sustainable means of transport mirrors our goal to become one of the leading providers of electric vehicles in the UK.”
