Tesla Model 3 electric car on trial as emergency vehicle in Queensland

A trio of Tesla Model 3 electric cars is being assessed by Queensland emergency services.

The Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has purchased three Tesla Model 3 electric cars as part of a trial of battery-powered vehicles for first-responders.

The trio of Teslas joined the fleet in late 2022 to “determine operational feasibility” but have only recently begun appearing on social media.

QFES told Drive the Model 3 was selected due to its extended range.

“In support of Queensland’s Zero Emission Vehicle Strategy 2022-2032, QFES is working with its operational services to reduce emissions across its fleet,” a spokesperson said in a statement.

It’s not the first time emergency vehicles have switched to battery power in Australia.

Victoria Police have been trialling a Tesla Model X as a highway patrol vehicle since mid 2019.

In January 2022, New York Police Department announced it would start using Ford Mustang Mach-E electric SUVs as part of its fleet.

MORE: Queensland Police to adopt hybrid cars before switch to electric vehicles

In June 2022, Western Australia Police Force began trialing a Hyundai Ioniq 5, together with a hydrogen-powered Toyota Mirai.

In July 2022, police in Britain acquired a Tesla Model 3 and a Kia EV6 for operational duties.

QFES says it is developing new initiatives to “manage the impacts of climate change on emergency services”, including planning for zero emissions targets.

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