The Swiss police department in the town of St Gallen have ordered 13 units of the 2019 Hyundai Kona Electric. Five of them will be deployed for patrol duties while the rest will be used for non-patrol purposes.
Hyundai states that the decision to purchase the Kona was made after the police department put out a demand for electric cars that less than 50,000 Swiss francs have over 134 bhp, a range of more than 400 km and to have ready delivery. The Hyundai Kona, with its base price of 46,990 francs in Switzerland, and a WLTP range of 449 km met that criteria and won over the police department decision makers.
Hanspeter Krüsi, Head of Communications at St. Gallen cantonal police said:
“Naturally, the question of whether a 100 per cent electrically-driven vehicle would prove its everyday worth also came under consideration by St. Gallen’s cantonal police. After rigorous testing, the department for vehicle procurement was satisfied that the All-New Kona Electric met the standards required.”
“With the use of electric vehicles, we are fulfilling a cantonal and political mandate, primarily to reduce noise and exhaust emissions. When I see the progress this technology has made, it speaks much more for this purchase. Thanks to more than 100 kW of power, more than 400 km of range, space for five people and significant loading space for equipment, the Kona Electric meets all the requirements for the cantonal police of St. Gallen. Compared to conventional vehicles, the purchase price is set a little higher. However, this is offset by the Kona Electric’s lower maintenance costs and the general upkeep. This means that we are 100 per cent electric and still cost-conscious on the road.“
