Electric Police Vehicles Secured with New Charging Deal
The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) has taken a significant step towards enhancing its electric vehicle (EV) fleet. The organization has entered a new charging agreement with BetterFleet, aimed at streamlining the charging process for its electric and hybrid vehicles. This initiative supports the MPS’s goal of achieving a carbon net-zero fleet by 2030.
Details of the Charging Partnership
Under this new deal, BetterFleet will manage EV charging at the MPS depots and public charging networks. Key features of the BetterFleet software include:
- Automatic prioritization of critical vehicles.
- Cost allocation to specific cost centers.
- Real-time visibility of vehicle charging status.
This innovative approach will allow the MPS fleet team to monitor and operate new charging locations effectively through a unified management tool.
Current Fleet and Future Plans
The MPS currently operates one of the UK’s largest emergency service fleets, comprising approximately 5,500 vehicles. Nearly 30% of this fleet is fully electric or hybrid. In line with its sustainability objectives, the MPS plans to incorporate an additional 250 electric or hybrid vehicles and motorcycles within the next year. This increase in fleet size will further elevate the need for robust charging infrastructure.
Technological Infrastructure
BetterFleet’s platform is designed to be secure and scalable, built on SOC 2-compliant architecture. This ensures that it can meet the operational and cybersecurity requirements essential for large-scale public safety fleets.
Daniel Hilson, CEO of BetterFleet, expressed optimism about this partnership. He stated, “We appreciate the confidence the Metropolitan Police has placed in BetterFleet. Our goal is to simplify their EV operations while ensuring high service levels.”
Broader Impact and Other Projects
BetterFleet is also known for managing part of London’s Go-Ahead Group electrified bus fleet, showing its versatility in the public transit sector. The company supports various large public sector initiatives across cities including Toronto, Boston, and Sydney.
This new charging deal marks a pivotal moment for the Metropolitan Police Service as it advances toward a greener future while ensuring quick response capabilities.
