FYI: As electric vehicle ownership increases, police departments nationwide are diversifying their fleets to keep up with tech-savvy criminals.
Police Departments Adapt to Rapid EV Adoption Among Criminals
Police departments across the country are at a pivotal juncture. With a long history of investment in traditional combustion engine police vehicles, the Dodge Charger Pursuit has been one of the most favored choices, boasting a swift 0-60 time of six seconds. However, as electric vehicle (EV) ownership grows, criminals are leveraging this advantage. Suspects fleeing in vehicles like the Tesla Model Y or Hyundai Ioniq 5 N can effortlessly outpace a V6-powered Charger on city streets.
The Acceleration Advantage of Electric Vehicles
Electric vehicles stand out due to their instant torque and acceleration, often 2-3 times faster than typical combustion engine vehicles. This performance edge has led police departments nationwide to reconsider their fleet compositions to adapt to this evolving landscape.
Real-World Challenges
In a recent article by WMTV 15 News in Madison, WI, several incidents highlight officers being eluded by criminals in electric cars and trucks. For instance, during a police pursuit near Georgia Tech, a suspect involved in a shooting fled in a Tesla Model Y. Despite efforts to keep up, officers lost sight of the vehicle as it maneuvered through traffic at speeds of up to 70 MPH. The chase only concluded when the Tesla collided with another car, allowing the suspect to be apprehended after fleeing on foot. The campus has since added three Mustang Mach-E GTs to its patrol fleet.
In another case, an officer in a Tesla Model Y successfully kept pace with a stolen Mustang, showcasing the EV’s superior handling. Although the pursuit was called off for safety reasons, the Tesla maintained its performance throughout.
Performance and Cost Benefits of EVs
According to the State of Michigan, the Kia EV6 GT accelerates from 0-60 in just 3.2 seconds. Beyond performance, electric cruisers offer significant cost savings. New Hampshire estimates suggest that replacing each combustion engine vehicle with an EV saves taxpayers over $5,000 annually. Georgia Tech, which has only recently begun to diversify its fleet, anticipates saving $4,000 in fuel costs alone.
Highway Pursuits and Range Considerations
While EVs excel in city chases, they face challenges during prolonged high-speed highway pursuits due to quicker depletion of their charge. However, this issue affects both fleeing suspects in EVs and police vehicles alike, similar to how combustion engines run out of fuel. Typically, highway patrol units take over after a certain period, but having a Model Y or Mustang Mach-E close the gap initially can significantly improve chase outcomes.
Emerging Trends in Police Fleets
As the trend of integrating EVs into police fleets continues, more automakers are developing electric pursuit vehicles. Examples include the Mustang Mach-E GT and Blazer EV. Have you noticed any electric police cruisers in your neighborhood? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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Conclusion
The shift towards electric police vehicles marks a significant evolution in law enforcement tactics, driven by the increasing prevalence of EVs among the general public and criminals alike. By modernizing their fleets, police departments can maintain the upper hand in pursuits, ensure public safety, and achieve cost savings.
Written by William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
