Nissan Leaf EV charges into police service

Eight Nissan Leaf electric vehicles have been put into service with the Portuguese national police force in a green new twist for urban law enforcement.

First drive: Nissan Leaf (2011 onwards)

Nissan Leaf is World COTY 2011

The PSP (Polícia de Segurança Pública) is the first force in the world to implement a fleet of electric police cars. According to the authority, the Leaf was chosen as part of an environmental efficiency drive to reduce the service’s ecological footprint:

“We pride ourselves in being the first police force in the world to incorporate cars with zero-emission technology as part of our 5,000 vehicle fleet,” said Superintendent Paul Gomes Valente, National Director of PSP.

The security service believes the Nissan EV will help reduce pollution in congested urban areas.

The Leaf was voted World Car of the Year in 2011 for its zero tailpipe emissions driving and was the first all-electric family car to go on sale across the globe.

Its 109hp electric motor provides decent enough performance, but its limited range of 100 miles (on average) means the Portuguese police might not be catching too many criminals.

That said, the eight-strong fleet of Leafs will be used mainly as part of the PSP’s Safe School Program – but with blue flashing lights, sirens and Polícia decals, the EVs can be called on for back-up or to perform other police duties if needed.

Portugal is something of a pioneer in championing the electric car and was one of the first European countries to install a network of electric vehicle charging points in its major conurbations. It was also the first European market in which the Leaf went on sale.

First drive: Nissan Leaf (2011 onwards)

Nissan Leaf is World COTY 2011