The Western Australia Police Force announced a trial of a Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle for potential frontline policing. The car was fitted with police branding, radio equipment, lights and sirens, and was set to be tested in the Fremantle District of Perth.
The trial was linked to the state's climate policy and to a broader interest in vehicles that can meet operational requirements without tailpipe carbon emissions. Acting Assistant Commissioner Allan Adams described the force as having begun research and testing of green vehicles suitable for policing.
Police work is a demanding test case: vehicles are used intensively, often in urban stop start conditions, and must be refuelled quickly. The trial therefore offered a useful real world data point for the hydrogen transport discussion.
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