Tesla Model 3 given new uniform for emergency services trial

Tesla’s Model 3 has been transformed into an emergency response vehicle which is set to be tested by the police, fire brigade and other emergency services in the UK.

The trial is part of the Government’s ‘Road to Zero’ initiative, which includes an aim for emergency services to move to an entirely electric fleet by 2030.

Government had said that a quarter of its central fleet will be ultra-low emission by 2022, however a freedom of information request by Air Quality News last year found that only 1% of the Department for Transport’s 1,860 vehicle fleet is electric.

BMW i3s have been introduced to the police’s fleet in some UK cities, with the Metropolitan Police also using Nissan Leafs.

The fully electric Model 3 will look to reduce emissions from road transport and, despite costing £48,490, Tesla says it will save the emergency services money through low maintenance and the cost of charging via electric instead of petrol and diesel.

The ‘Long Range’ AWD version of the Model 3 boasts a range of 360 miles between charges, however, its performance of 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds will reduce that during pursuits.

It can also be charged up quickly through Tesla’s network of superfast 250kW Superchargers, which will replenish 75 miles of charge in just five minutes.

Tesla also highlighted that the Model 3 has received a five-star rating by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP), with the electric vehicle being given a 96% score for adult occupant safety and a 74% score for vulnerable road user safety.

Depending on the outcome of the trial, the UK police could be set to follow in the footsteps of a number of US states, with forces in Indiana, Connecticut, New York and California all using the Model 3. Police in Switzerland have also introduced the Tesla Model X SUV to its fleet.

As well as the Tesla Model 3, emergency services are also trialing the Toyota Mirai hydrogen fuel-cell saloon.