ALMOST 70 more electric vehicles (EVs) will be rolled out by West Midlands Police.
The force has been using Nissan Leaf EVs since 2013 but by the end of the year there will be an extra 68 marked and unmarked vehicles across the region, including cars and vans.
To start with one marked car, 33 unmarked cars and four unmarked vans will hit the streets but by the end of 2022 another 16 marked cars, nine unmarked cars and five unmarked vans will be in operation.
West Midlands Police says it has also increased its charging capacity and every police building is being considered for a new charging point.
Fleet manager Gary Mallett said: “As vehicle manufacturers renew their models and technology becomes better suited to the demands, organisations will have to transition into the new world and that includes us.
“We have had experience of electric vehicles since 2013 and already have over 40 vehicles and 50 charge points across the force.”
He added, where possible, earlier charge points had been upgraded to suit new vehicles and the technology would increase as the fleet grew.
“Working with vehicle manufacturers we are confident the new vehicles will suit our own demands in the future, which will not only be better for the environment but will reduce our overall maintenance costs for the fleet.”
West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, added: “I’m delighted to see the force continuing to take the action needed to go green.
“Now, more than ever, it is vital we look closely at our energy consumption and buying electric vehicles is a vital step in the right direction.
“I am determined to see West Midlands Police lead the way and become the greenest force in the country.”
