Ford kuga's green credentials under fire from spanish police

The Spanish Guardia Civil has taken delivery of 97 Ford Kuga plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) as part of its efforts to reduce emissions. However, these SUVs are already facing criticism from some police officers and associations due to their perceived lack of off-road capability.

Ford kuga's environmental credentials

The Ford Kuga is a popular model with a production line in Valencia, Spain. It's available in gasoline, hybrid non-plug-in (HEV), and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variants. The PHEV version features a 2.5-liter gasoline engine combined with an electric motor, powered by a 14.4 kWh battery. This setup allows for up to 70 kilometers of zero-emission driving and a total range of around 600 kilometers.

Guardia civil's environmental goals

The Guardia Civil has been actively transitioning its fleet to more eco-friendly vehicles as part of the Spanish government's Plan for Transition and Energy Transition. The force has already acquired 38 Cupra Born, 75 Opel Astra hybrid, and 232 Nissan Leaf electric vehicles for various policing duties.

Performance issues with the ford kuga

But the latest batch of Ford Kugas has raised eyebrows and sparked criticism from some quarters. The Association of Unified Civil Guard (AUGC) and the Professional Justice Association of the Civil Guard (Jucil) have both shared videos on social media showing the vehicles struggling with minor obstacles off-road, despite being equipped with four-wheel drive.