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

The rollout of charging points to Garda stations across the country is an essential component in the implementation of Electric Vehicles into the An Garda Síochána fleet.

Fleet Management have been working closely with the Office of Public Works to install charging points at Garda stations across all Regions & Divisions.

As of May 2024 there are 99 active charging points at 69 different locations and there are over 150 further locations that have been approved for chargers and are at various stages of completion.

Roll out of BEV’s

In 2023 Fleet Management allocated 64 fully Electric Vehicles to locations throughout the country.

As of May 2024 our Fully Electric Fleet consists of 158 vehicles.

Currently there are 41 BEV’s on order with delivery expected by the end of Q3.

These vehicles are a combination of Kia’s, Hyundai and Skoda’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.

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) 13 Plug in Hybrid Audi A6 (since May 2021) 1 Hyundai Ioniq 5 (since April 2022) 1 Hyundai Ioniq 6 (since December 2023)

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.

The above information is correct as of May 2024