Queensland commissions hydrogen-fuelled police vehicle

Queensland has commissioned Australia’s first hydrogen-powered police vehicle, the state government said on December 13.

Minister for energy and public works Mick de Brenni said the Hyundai Nexo assigned to police was about developing domestic demand as part of the hydrogen industry strategy. The vehicle will be used by Queensland police officers assigned to the North Brisbane Domestic and Family Violence Vulnerable Persons Unit.

“By running this vehicle in real-world conditions, we are making sure Queenslanders and Queensland businesses are at the front of the queue for the thousands of jobs our hydrogen industry will create,” de Brenni said.

“Queensland police will test this emerging electric vehicle technology, initially refuelling at the Redlands Research Facility, and following that at Queensland’s first commercial hydrogen refueller,” the minister added.

The Nexo joins 13 Mitsubishi EVs now being used by police for general duties, traffic enforcement and investigations.

De Brenni said demonstrating the effectiveness and efficiency of fuel cell technology would pave the way for broader applications, including heavy transport, trains and marine applications.

The Nexo is one of five hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles now being trialled across the government fleet used by frontline workers including health staff, educators and community workers.