At least 448 green vehicles have been bought by police forces across the country in a bid to meet emission targets.
But there’s just one slight problem – they aren’t much good at chasing crooks or rushing to save people in crisis.
Practically all of the vehicles, which cost at least £1.49 million altogether, are used for non-emergencies and for bosses to travel to work.
Official police reports say it takes too long to charge the batteries to be ready for a hot pursuit at a moment’s notice.
They also say there is too much risk of them running out of juice before before the end of a shift.
According to figures obtained under the Freedom of Information Act, 30 of the UK’s 46 police forces bought or leased the 448 green-vehicles.
Several authorities refused to reveal how much they spent, meaning the collective figure is likely to be well over the £1.49 million.
Tory backbencher and former special constable David Davies wasn’t impressed by the findings.
He said: ‘Police bosses need to show a bit of common sense. I’ve been in a police car on so many occasions when an emergency call has come in.
