Austrian Police Tests Reveal EVs Not Yet Ready for Full Operational Use

The Ministry of the Interior of Austria considers electric vehicles only "conditionally suitable" for the operational work of the police. This conclusion was reached by the department after large-scale tests involving 24 electric vehicles and 20 police units.

The ministry points to the underdeveloped charging infrastructure, as well as the increased weight of electric vehicles due to traction batteries and special equipment.

Tests began back in 2024. They involved 24 electric vehicles that were used in real service conditions. The list included the VW ID.3, VW ID.4, as well as the Porsche Taycan, which was used for highway patrolling. Tests were conducted in four federal states — Tyrol, Salzburg, Lower Austria, and Vienna.

According to the ministry, so far positive results have been shown only for the use of electric vehicles as service transport for delivering documents and other non-operational tasks. The department notes that these findings partially coincide with the experience of other emergency services.

At the same time, the ministry stated that it will continue to monitor technology development and the automotive market since it expects rapid technological changes in the alternative powertrain segment.

Source: ORF