Swedish police test out electric cars

Ten electric cars are being tested by police in Sweden as part of the government's environmental targets.

The cars are being used by officers in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö as part of a campaign to improve the environment, which includes a target of removing all fossil fuel use by 2030.

The cars have the potential to benefit the police as they are almost silent and have a low operating cost.

They will be used in administrative and commercial purposes and not for call-outs.

The vehicles feature automatic transmission and an in-built navigation system which shows where the nearest charging stations are.

Jan Carlsson, from the Swedish police National Operations Department (NOA), commented: “Reactions have been overwhelmingly positive.

“They have good traction and they're very quiet, though that has both advantages and disadvantages.

“It's pleasant to drive, but pedestrians and cyclists don't hear it coming, so it's particularly important to pay attention while driving them.”