The Vernon North Okanagan RCMP's first hybrid-electric vehicle is in service. (RCMP photo)

By Pete McIntyre

hybrid SUV

Vernon RCMP add first ‘green’ patrol vehicle

Oct 23, 2023 | 3:00 PM

There is a new addition to the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP’s fleet of vehicles.

The detachment has added its first hybrid-electric vehicle which is now in use.

“The integration of hybrid vehicles is expected to continue as we modernize our fleet to help reduce emissions here in the North Okanagan and across the country,” a posting by Vernon North Okanagan RCMP said on Facebook.

Vernon Matters reached out to the detachment’s media relations officer, Const. Chris Terleski, to see if the new SUV will be used for all the same purposes as regular gasoline-or diesel-powered vehicles, or if it will be used for limited duties.

No limitations I’ve noticed, and it’s being used as a patrol unit just as the one it replaced was,” Terleski said.

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Terleski said hybrid electric patrol cars are already in use at other RCMP detachments across the country and are becoming more common, but this is the first one they’ve received.

He could not speak to whether more hybrids are in the plans for the detachment, saying that would be a question for the RCMP’s E Division and national headquarters.

“What I can say is that at the detachment level, we may see more hybrids being phased in locally, but that largely depends on what is available to us when we need to replace a vehicle,” Terleski added.