Asking More of Public Safety, including Sustainability
2021 Mustang Mach-E (https://carbuzz.com/news/ford-mustang-mach-e-joins-michigan-police-force)
All-electric law enforcement vehicles are giving municipalities high-efficiency and climate-friendly choices. Police departments across the state are adding EV’s to the force and advancing clean air goals for cities big and small.
Back in the fall of 2021, we were excited to hear that Ford was considering adding an all-electric "purpose-built" law enforcement vehicle to its fleet business. The company has offered hybrid police cars based on its Fusion Hybrid model for several years, but a full EV police car could be a game changer for any municipality looking to invest in clean energy solutions.
Ford revealed a concept car based on its Mustang Mach-E Sport Crossover Utility Vehicle in the UK, and announced plans to test it with the Michigan State Police, joining a limited number of automakers exploring this market. The Nissan Leaf has popped up as a traffic enforcement vehicle in Seattle, Hyundai Konas are being adopted by some European police departments, and Tesla was reportedly in talks with the LAPD about adapting their Model S. Read the full article from Green Car Reports here.
“Every single vehicle we electrify is one step forward to advance clean air and a climate-friendly New York City.”
Now it looks like the Mach-E has enough promise to get on the beat with one of the country's largest police forces. New York City has announced an order of 184 of the EV cars for its law enforcement and emergency response fleet, to be in place this summer. "Smart investments in fleet electrification will help New York City break its dependence on fossil fuels," said Dawn M. Pinnock, Acting Commissioner, NYC Dept. of Citywide Administrative Services (DACS). To support the all-electric deployment, DACS has already installed 103 fast chargers citywide, with 29 dedicated to the NYPD. 2022 will see efforts to add another 275 charging units across the city.
The Mach-Es ordered by NYC will have 270 miles of range and just shy of 27 cubic feet of cargo room, critical space for the gear first responders need in their vehicles. Fun fact: The car's flashing lights—running off a 12-volt battery and not the main battery pack—don't affect range.
Perry Police vehicle (https://13wham.com/news/local/tesla)
Closer to home, the city of Perry has added a Tesla Model Y to its police fleet, using a $7,500 government rebate to offset the cost of the EV cruiser. “We’re trying to do our part to reduce the carbon footprint. Eventually, I’d like to have an all-electric fleet,” Police Chief Michael Grover said. The Model Y offers a range of nearly 320 miles on a charge.
As cities across the state like NYC, Perry, and here in Western New York push further into electric fleets, law enforcement vehicles can be among the most visible symbols of a growing commitment to climate goals.
