Hong Kong to Use EV Police Cars

It was only a matter of time before EV technology became common use in law enforcement agencies as well. Given that they are mostly to be used in the city and most of them match in performance their internal combustion counterparts, EVs are the logical choice for state agencies.

According to South China Morning Post, Hong Kong will become the second place in the world, after Japan, to use electric vehicles as police cars. Their weapon of choice: Mitsubishi iMiEV.
Hong Kong authorities have begun a three week trial, who's success will ensure the EVs entrance in the force.

"The test drives have been very satisfactory and we are confident that its performance will be on par with patrol cars" senior inspector Joe Li Tung-cheung was quoted as saying by just-auto.com, adding the vehicles will not be used as response cars.

So far, Mitsubishi and the Hong Kong authorities have signed a memorandum of understanding in February, whose provisions call for the manufacturer to deliver 10 vehicles from the first iMiEVs to exit the factory. They are expected to enter service as late as early next year.

The goal for the Hong Kong is to replace some 500 patrol vehicles with the iMiEV. The EV provides 160 km of travel after an eight hour charging process. It can reach a top speed of 130 km/h.

"Electric cars have advantages on islands such as Cheung Chau and Lamma, where no gas stations are available," Li said. "The minicars can also get through those narrow trails in the New Territories."