The authorities in Switzerland have selected the Hyundai Kona Electric SUV to be used for patrolling and other purposes and the EV was selected by the Swiss police, after rigorous testing. Hyundai has delivered 13 Hyundai Kona electric cars to the Swiss Police which will serve in their fleet. Five EV’s will be used for patrolling, which have been fitted with flashing lights and they have been given a white and neon-orange police livery. The other eight cars will be used for non-patrol purposes and will remain in factory colour.
The Hyundai Kona electric features LED headlights, LED taillights, heated steering wheel, power adjustable front seats with heating and ventilation, 7.0-inch and 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment options with smartphone connectivity features, 3D navigation, real-time traffic updates, weather updates and more.
The authorities at St. Gallen were especially pleased by the powertrain of the electric vehicle which is a Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor coupled to a lithium-ion, 64kWh battery that can deliver a real-world range of 449 km on a single charge. The electric motor generates an equivalent of 201 Hp of power and can do a top speed of 167 kmph. The lithium-ion battery can be charged to 80% in 54 minutes using a 100kW DC fast charger or from a 50kW charger takes 75 minutes to achieve the same state of charge. Another 39.2 kWh version is also available with a range of 289 km on a single charge.
Police forces around the world have now started to use electric vehicles due to their efficiency, lower maintenance, reduced emissions and lowered noise pollution. In California, police are testing the Tesla Model S and the electric vehicle will soon be introduced in their fleet of patrol cars.
The Hyundai Kona Electric is also expected to come to the Indian market by next month and the electric car has already been spotted testing on Indian roads. The brand speculates a sale of around 60 units per month as the car will be priced at a premium rate of around the INR 25 lakh.