Mitsubishi kitting out the cops

From November, the West Midlands constabulary will be setting an example to us all in terms of eco-friendly motoring when they become the first police force in the UK to send their officers out on patrol in the MiEV (Mitsubishi innovative Electric Vehicle). According to Mitsubishi, this electric motor on wheels was a huge hit at the National Police Show staged in September. The crime-busting version of the MiEV reaches a top speed of 80mph (130 km/h) and can cover a patrol beat of 100 miles before needing a recharge. So the bobbies should be well equipped for hot pursuits through the pedestrian zones in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry.

What initially may sound like a joke is in fact part of the Ultra Low Carbon Vehicle Demonstrator project with which Mitsubishi hope to woo the British public for its progressive e-class. The Japanese manufacturer has already seen the first fruits of its campaign, with the MiEV being acclaimed as Electric Vehicle of the Year in the 2009 GreenFleet Awards.