Queensland has commissioned Australia’s first hydrogen-powered police vehicle which will be used by Queensland Police officers assigned to the North Brisbane Domestic and Family Violence Vulnerable Persons Unit.
Minister for Energy and Public Works Mick de Brenni said by running the vehicle in real-world conditions means Queenslanders and Queensland businesses can be at the front of the queue for the thousands of jobs the hydrogen industry will create.
“Queensland police will test this emerging electric vehicle technology, initially refuelling at the Redlands Research Facility, and following that at Queensland’s first commercial hydrogen refueller.”
Police Minister Mark Ryan said the car has all the essential technology and performance measures to be used for general duties policing.
“Importantly, they offer ultra-quick refuelling and high efficiency – they will be able to be refuelled commercially in just five minutes,” he said.
“Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles also have a better range than regular battery-powered options that are available now on the market.
The Hyundai Nexo broke records in May this year by travelling 887 kilometres on a single charge. It is believed to be the first fuel cell propelled police vehicle in the southern hemisphere.
Deputy Commissioner Doug Smith said the vehicle will be trialled for a period before evaluation, providing a valuable resource to the Domestic and Family Violence Vulnerable Persons Unit.
“Joining our diverse fleet of existing modes of transport, we look forward to further opportunities to ensure our service is future-fit.”
The Nexo joins 13 Mitsubishi electric vehicles now being used by police for general duties, traffic enforcement and investigations.
Mr de Brenni said demonstrating the effectiveness and efficiency of fuel cell technology will pave the way for broader applications, including heavy transport, trains and marine applications.
“Growing the hydrogen industry here in Queensland means more jobs for Queenslanders,” he said.
“These jobs will be sourcing raw materials for renewable hydrogen production and manufacturing state-of-the-art technology, right through to feeding this renewable energy to a hydrogen-hungry world market.”
The vehicle is one of five hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles now being trialled across the government fleet used by frontline workers including health staff, educators and community workers.
The trial is being managed by government fleet manager, QFleet, which is on track to its exceed its target of having 144 electric vehicles in its fleet by the end of 2021, and 288 by the end of 2022.
