Queensland police harness the power of hydrogen

Queensland has today commissioned Australia’s first hydrogen-powered police vehicle.

Minister for Energy and Public Works Mick de Brenni said the Hyundai Nexo assigned to police was about developing domestic demand as part of our 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,” Mr de Brenni said.

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

Police Minister Mark Ryan said the Nexo has all the essential technology and performance measures to be used for general duties policing.

“Importantly, they offer ultra-quick refueling and high efficiency - they will be able to be refueled commercially in just five minutes,” he said.

“Hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles also have a better range than regular battery-powered options that are available now on the market.

“Nexo broke records in May this year by traveling 887 kilometres on a single charge and Hyundai tells us this is the first fuel cell propelled police vehicle in the southern hemisphere.”

Deputy Commissioner Doug Smith said the trial of the hydrogen-powered police vehicle is another example of the way QPS is paving the way of a modern policing service.

“This vehicle will be designated to the North Brisbane Domestic and Family Violence Vulnerable Persons Unit where it will be trialed for a period before evaluation, providing a valuable resource to this important unit,” Deputy Commissioner Smith said.

“Joining our diverse fleet of existing modes of transport, we look forward to further opportunities to ensure our service is future-fit.”

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

Mr 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.

“Growing the hydrogen industry here in Queensland means more jobs for Queenslanders,” he said.

“These jobs will be sourcing raw materials for renewable hydrogen production and manufacturing state-of-the-art technology, right through to feeding this renewable energy to

a hydrogen-hungry world market.”

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

The Nexo trial is being managed by government fleet manager, QFleet, which is on track to its exceed its target of having 144 electric vehicles in its fleet by the end of 2021, and 288 by the end of 2022.

Media contact: Dan Knowles 0432 681 664