Force gears up to meet its fleet ambition by 2030

For it has signed an initial contract with Hyundai Motor UK to supply 180 Kona Electric 64kWh vehicles.

The force hopes to make a significant contribution to the Scottish Government’s target to cut greenhouse gases to net-zero by 2045.

The deal represents Hyundai’s largest pure electric vehicle fleet order to date.

Thanks to the firm’s ability to meet customer demand for all-electric vehicles within weeks of ordering, the first vehicles will be delivered to Police Scotland this month with the full order being fulfilled by March next year.

The Kona Electric joins a range of other electric vehicles already operating as part of the Police Scotland fleet.

Enabling officers and staff to fulfil their duties with a minimal carbon footprint, while also reducing fuel and maintenance costs, the new cars will serve as a testbed to give Police Scotland greater experience of operating an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles.

Will Kerr, Police Scotland’s deputy chief constable, said: “Our fleet strategy is highly ambitious, with the aim of having the UK’s first ultra-low emission blue light fleet by 2030.

“This substantial contract marks a major step towards that goal by making ULEVs accessible to more of our officers and staff.

“Achieving our 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 officers and staff.

“The gradual transition of our unmarked fleet from 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 costs, at the same time as increasing the resilience of our contingency fleet.”