Swiss Police Take Delivery Of 13 Hyundai Kona Electric Models

Police in Switzerland recently took delivery of 13 Hyundai Kona Electric crossovers to join their fleet.

The electric crossovers will be used in the area of St. Gallen, and five of them have been fully kitted out with flashing lights and white and neon orange paint schemes and are ready for duty. The remaining eight Kona Electrics will be used for non-patrol purposes and not feature police liveries.

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Hyundai says that authorities in St. Gallen opted for the Kona Electric after a selection procedure and rigorous testing. Police were particularly impressed that the Kona offers space for five people and pumps out up to 201 hp in its most recent form while having a maximum range of 449 km (278 miles) on the WLTP cycle.

“With the use of electric vehicles, we are fulfilling a cantonal and political mandate, primarily to reduce noise and exhaust emissions. When I see the progress this technology has made, it speaks much more for this purchase,” head of communications at St. Gallen cantonal police Hanspeter Krusi said. “Compared to conventional vehicles, the purchase price is set a little higher. However, this is offset by the Kona Electric’s lower maintenance costs and the general upkeep. This means that we are 100 per cent electric and still cost-conscious on the road.”

A number of police forces around the world are starting to consider or are already using electric vehicles thanks to their lower maintenance costs and useable range. Police in California, for example, have been putting a Tesla Model S through its paces and may introduce many more to its fleet.