Met set on more electric cars for London’s roads

Get wired: police are testing electric Smart cars in central London and at Heathrow
Mark Prigg12 April 2012

Half of London's police cars could be powered by alternative fuels within four years, Scotland Yard announced today.

Plans were revealed to replace older vehicles with electric versions, as well as moves to test radical air-powered cars that can be refuelled at garage forecourt pumps. Although pursuit cars are likely to continue to use petrol, for day-to-day work the Met believes electric or even air-powered cars could soon become commonplace.

The Met is already testing electric Smart cars in central London and at Heathrow, and has a fleet of more than 140 Prius hybrid cars.

"London is perfect for alternative fuels such as electric or hybrid vehicles" said Nigel Jakubowski, director of transport services for the Met. The Smart car can travel up to 70 miles on one charge and be powered using a three-pin plug.

Mr Jakubowski added: "For central London the top speed of 55mph isn't a problem. The uniformed officers who have driven them say they are very quick. We have installed charging points at the stations the cars are based in, and they work very well."

Several London councils have taken part in the electric Smart car trials while Mayor Boris Johnson wants to introduce 100,000 electric cars to the capital. The Prime Minister has also offered a subsidy of £5,000 to the buyers of electric cars.

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