East Wenatchee Introduces First Hydrogen-Powered Police Car in the Country
Key Ideas
- East Wenatchee introduces the first hydrogen-powered police car in the country, a 2019 Toyota Mirai leased through a partnership with the Douglas County Public Utilities District.
- The Douglas PUD's renewable hydrogen production facility is set to be fully operational, promoting hydrogen as a realistic, renewable fuel source in local communities.
- The East Wenatchee Police Chief is excited to test the hydrogen-powered vehicle in law enforcement, following the success of their fully electric truck in reducing costs and environmental impact.
- The partnership aims to encourage other companies and agencies to adopt hydrogen-powered cars once the hydrogen plant is fully operational.
The City of East Wenatchee in Washington is pioneering the use of hydrogen technology in law enforcement by introducing the first hydrogen-powered police car in the United States. The 2019 Toyota Mirai was leased to the East Wenatchee Police Department through a partnership with the Douglas County Public Utilities District. This initiative stems from the Douglas PUD's purchase of four hydrogen-powered vehicles earlier in the year to showcase the potential of hydrogen as a renewable fuel source. The Douglas PUD's upcoming renewable hydrogen production facility is expected to be operational soon, further supporting the use of hydrogen in local communities. East Wenatchee Police Chief Rick Johnson expressed enthusiasm about testing the hydrogen-powered vehicle in a law enforcement setting to evaluate its performance and integrate hydrogen fuel cells into their operations efficiently. The agreement ensures that the cost of hydrogen will not exceed the current fuel prices. The department previously adopted a fully electric truck, which significantly reduced operational costs and environmental impact. Mayor Jerrilea Crawford emphasized the importance of the partnership in enhancing efficiency and sustainability. Once the hydrogen plant is fully operational, the Douglas PUD plans to encourage other entities with fleet vehicles to transition to hydrogen-powered cars, promoting a greener future for the community.