Implementing Low Emission Vehicles Into the An Garda Síochána Fleet

Context

In 2016, An Garda Síochána became the first police force to achieve ISO50001 energy management accreditation as part of our commitment under Irelands “National Energy Efficiency Action Plan”   More recently, The Climate Action Plan sets out ambitious targets towards zero emissions vehicles, with overarching targets of 50% emissions reduction by 2030. From 2030 Petrol and Diesel engine vehicles will no longer be available.

Fleet Management have been working with our Energy Advisors, the SEAI and we are keeping up to date with our UK Counterparts through the National Association of Police Fleet Managers.

Charging Infrastructure

From our initial pilot, the issue of Charging Infrastructure became a challenge to progress.

The rollout of electric vehicles is dependent on routine and convenient access to charging points.

It is not appropriate or safe for Garda vehicles to be left charging on public Charging points unattended.

Garda Estate Management, working with the OPW, have now identified 20 locations (one in each of the 19 Divisions and one in Garda HQ) to install charging points.

Once installed, electric vehicles will be allocated to each location.

It is expected that progress will be made on installation now the Covid restrictions on the Construction Industry have been lifted.

Battery Electric Vehicle Pilot

Fleet Management currently have 13 fully Electric Vehicles allocated to locations throughout the country.

Data gathered through using these vehicles will continue to be used to inform our future vehicle purchases.

So far these vehicles have been operating efficiently, but only suited to some roles.

Rolling out more BEV’s

Currently there are 32 BEV’s on order with delivery expected in Q2.

These vehicles are a combination of Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Hyundai Kona’s. These vehicles have a quoted range of between 350km and 400km. This range will make these vehicles more versatile.  They will be allocated to operational policing roles to assess their suitability in real world conditions.

These vehicles will be rolled out soon and will continue to gather important data for us.

Hybrid Vehicle Pilot

In early 2020 Fleet Management allocated 10 brand new Hybrid vehicles to units across the organisation.

This pilot has proved successful and has provided good data. 

Ministerial Vehicles

As Ministerial Vehicles reach end of service they are being replaced where appropriate with Low Emissions vehicles.

Currently, on VIP Duties we have 1 Full Hybrid Lexus (since May 2020) 2 Plug in Hybrid Audi A6 (since May 2021)

Full EV’s are not yet considered a practical solution for security sensitive duties.

Future Mix

From 2030, Petrol and Diesel engines will no longer be available in European markets.

The market and technology is in a period of change. Hybrid and Petrol may become part of the mix in the medium term, as the industry moves away from diesel at ever increasing pace.

At this point, the best industry predictions of the mainstay low emissions fuel of the future is Electric Vehicles.

Fleet Management, will monitor the data from our pilots, development in battery technology and the charging network, to inform future purchasing and rollout decisions.

The above information is correct as of March 2022