JERSEY Coastguard will soon be responding to calls in their first fully electric vehicle.
The car, a Kia Niro EV, is expected to help them reach emergencies quickly while generating zero emissions.
Dan Downey, Jersey Coastguard and vessel traffic services manager, said: ‘As well as playing a vital role in helping us respond to emergency situations at sea, being fully electric means it will cost less to run and maintain and will help us cut our carbon footprint as we look at ways to make Jersey Coastguard greener.’
The introduction of the car – nicknamed ‘CG1’ – is part of Ports of Jersey’s goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2030. The organisation has already added a BMW i3 to their Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service, and is hoping to add more EVs to its fleet.
The car was picked as the result of ‘an extensive research programme’, according to Ports.
Kia EVs are popular among the emergency services, with HM Coastguard having added the vehicles to its fleets. They are favoured for their long range and reliability.
CG1 replaces a Toyota Hilux, which is expected to become a response vehicle for the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Service.
