The local police will also go electric in the future – including a Porsche Taycan. The management received 23 e-cars on Monday, with which it must now be tested whether e-mobility has proven itself with the police.
They will be used on a trial basis in all conceivable areas, from patrolling to protecting accident sites and pursuing. Performance, load management and safety issues are particularly on the test bench, he said.
The start of the field test is planned for the fourth quarter, with completion at the end of 2025. Analysis and processing of the results will follow in 2026, according to the announced timeline. 20 departments in Lower Austria, Salzburg, Tyrol and the federal capital are participating in the scientifically supported pilot project.
Taycan only as a treat
However, the officials usually have to settle for ‘regular’ electric cars. The 23 vehicles submitted are Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 in blue light and civilian versions. On the occasion of the brand’s 75th anniversary, Porsche Austria is also making “a Porsche Taycan available to the police free of charge for a one-year test drive on the road network”.
“The public service has a major exemplary and steering function when it comes to sustainable economy. The police force, as a major blue light organization, is taking this role seriously and is exploring existing options for switching to zero-emission vehicles,” said Franz Ruf, director general for public safety. “By testing vehicles with alternative drive modes, we can gain the necessary experience whether 100 percent trouble-free operation can be guaranteed and which safety-related special requirements are required for use by the police,” says Ruf. “Furthermore, the exchange of experience with other European police forces will be intensified from spring 2024,” adds Peter Skorsch, Head of Group IV/A (Economics, Space and Technology).
Winter operation bottleneck
In 2019, the suitability of alternative forms of driving for police action had already been scientifically investigated, with the result that e-cars could in principle be used for certain areas. Before a decision was made, a broad field test was recommended, especially “under difficult climatic conditions”.
Source: Krone
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