For many years, the Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, CVPI, running on an ICE, was the number one choice of police departments in the US. Many arrested suspects might remember the trip to the station in the backseat of one. And even if you have not had a brush with the law, you will find the legacy of the CVPI in many police action movies where the police always get their man even if it requires a high-speed chase!
However, with times changing, is it time for law enforcement to leave behind their carbon-emitting ways and embrace battery-powered patrol cars?
There are many reasons why the police leadership would want to embrace EVs. For one, while their focus is on fighting crime and keeping the community safe, the police can also fight pollution and keep the environment safe! Ipswich town reports that each ICE taken off the road and replaced by an EV cuts down carbon emission by 87%!
In addition to eliminating tailpipe emissions, EV patrol vehicles help to save on cost, which Ipswich town in Massachusetts estimates at $13,000 per car in a ten-year period. When that is replicated across a large police fleet, the saving is significant. This reduced operating expense is because charging an electric vehicle is cheaper than fueling an ICE car. Electric cars also do not require as much maintenance, lowering repair and servicing bills for the police department.
When it comes to criminal pursuits, despite being discouraged due to the risks they pose to the general population, the police stand a better chance of getting their man when chasing in electric vehicles. This is due to the faster acceleration EVs are capable of. Even when not actively pursuing fleeing suspected lawbreakers, the police can arrive at crime scenes faster in their battery-powered patrol cars.
There are many options for police departments ready to switch to electric cars. The Ipswich Police Department in Massachusetts mentioned earlier customized a Tesla Model Y for patrol with grants. In 2019, the Bargersville, Indiana Police Department replaced a Dodge Charger with a Tesla Model 3.
However, for departments wanting to stick with Ford, the American automaker offers the Ford Mach E, which has been adapted for police use and has passed the rigorous Michigan State Police 2022 model year evaluation. It performed excellently under the acceleration, top speed, braking, high-pursuit, and emergency response tests.
Commenting on the test, CEO of Ford Pro, Ted Cannis, said, “The fact that the Mustang Mach-E successfully stood up to the grueling Michigan State Police evaluation demonstrates that Ford can build electric vehicles that are capable, tough, and reliable enough for even the most challenging jobs. We understand the needs of our commercial customers and are committed to unlocking new electrification opportunities for them.”
Here’s a clip of the Micigan State Police Department testing a worthy replacement to the Ford Crown Victoris.
