BTP’s first all-electric response vehicle takes to the road

The first British Transport Police (BTP) electric response vehicle has taken to the roads as the force sets its sights on an all-electric car fleet by 2025. 

The Tesla Model 3, based at Guildford, is the first electric response vehicle to be operational.

In total the force has purchased 80 all-electric vehicles as it takes a pioneering step towards carbon neutrality. By the end of 2022, one quarter of its fleet will be fully electric.

BTP polices the railway across England, Scotland and Wales, requiring officers to travel long distances quickly to respond to incidents.

The investment into a sustainable fleet will extend to charging infrastructure for the vehicles and bespoke training for the officers driving them.

Superintendent Chris Horton, Head of Driving Standards and Training at BTP, said:“This is a landmark moment for us as our first all-electric response vehicle becomes operational, and it’s just the first step as we transition to a zero-emission fleet.   

“A lot of work has taken place behind the scenes in the lead up to this day to ensure the vehicles have been put through their paces and ultimately enhance our ability to keep everyone on the railway safe.

“They are high-performance and can travel across the country quickly on just a small amount of charge. The officers who have had training behind the wheel have provided positive feedback on the vehicles and I’m excited to see more out on the UK roads.”

Electric vehicles selected for operational use have been put through rigorous testing to ensure they are fit for policing purposes. The tests undertaken focus on their range, efficiency, safety and how quickly they charge.

On a single charge the vehicles can achieve a range of 300 miles and are capable of ultra-rapid charging, resulting in 100 miles of travelling after just a 10-minute charge.