In a significant stride towards eco-conscious law enforcement, the Traffic Police (TP) of Singapore is gearing up to introduce a fleet of electric vehicles to patrol its expressways. Come 2024, the sight of the sleek, silent, and zero-emission Polestar 2 saloons will become a norm on Singapore’s roads as they join the highway patrol fleet.
Choosing the Future: The Selection Process
The transition to electric was set in motion with a public tender floated in October 2022, drawing to a close on January 31, 2023. Among the contenders were prominent names from across the globe, including South Korea’s Hyundai Ioniq 5, China’s BYD Seal, and Germany’s BMW i4 and iX1. However, it was the Swedish electric marvel, Polestar 2, represented locally by Wearnes Automotive, that clinched the deal with an inclusive bid of around $3.8 million, covering a 10-year maintenance programme.
The Winning Contender: Polestar 2
Outshining its rivals, the Polestar 2 didn’t just meet but far exceeded the Traffic Police’s minimum requirements. The chosen dual-motor all-wheel drive variant boasts a swift 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds, a top speed of 205 km/h, and an impressive 82kWh battery offering a 470km range on a single charge on Singapore’s roads—conditions permitting.
A Gradual Transition
The first batch of Polestar cars is expected to be delivered in 2024, phasing out the ageing fleet that includes models from BMW, Subaru, and Volvo. This marks a significant shift from the previous diesel and petrol-powered vehicles to a more environmentally responsible choice. With an option to add three more vehicles to the order, the potential electric fleet could rise to a total of 22 units.
Preparation for Patrol
Before deployment, these futuristic patrol cars will undergo a comprehensive retrofitting process to be equipped with necessary police equipment and paraphernalia, which constitutes a substantial portion of the tender value.
A Greener Initiative
The move by the Traffic Police aligns with Singapore’s broader environmental goals. The nation aims to cease the registration of new combustion engine cars from 2030 and transition to cleaner energy vehicles entirely by 2040, although the precise definition of “cleaner energy” remains to be clarified.
A Global Trend
Singapore’s Traffic Police are not alone in this eco-friendly shift. Law enforcement agencies worldwide have been progressively integrating electric vehicles into their fleets. From the Tesla Model X patrolling the highways in Victoria, Australia, to the Ford Mustang Mach-Es in New York City and the Tesla Model 3s being trialed in London, the trend is catching on. Notably, the British police have also welcomed the Polestar 2 into their fleet, albeit an earlier version compared to the latest facelifted models destined for Singapore.
Conclusion: Leading by Example
As Singapore’s Traffic Police prepare to roll out the electric Polestar 2 onto their expressways, they are setting a precedent for eco-conscious law enforcement. This transition not only underscores the commitment to environmental sustainability but also positions Singapore at the forefront of modernizing and greening law enforcement fleets in the region and beyond.
