The Surrey and Sussex Police Driving School will drive a Vauxhall Ampera range-extended electric vehicle over a four-week trial, and the team will also conduct a one-day road test of the Hyundai ix35 FCEV.

Dennis Ord from the Joint Transport Service who sourced the vehicle for the driving school said: ‘Over the last 10 years we have been replacing our cars with more fuel efficient vehicles. We are now looking at the next step by looking at low emission vehicles, such as electric, hybrids and hydrogen which could be used on a daily basis. This is the first time we have looked at these type of cars.’

Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, added: ‘I am pleased to see Sussex Police looking for more innovative ways of supporting operational requirements. The use of hybrid vehicles would not only help the Force cut its fuel costs but also reduce its environmental impact.’