Good cop, green cop: Ford introduces pursuit-rated hybrid police car

The vehicle, which could save police departments several thousand dollars a year in running costs, forms part of Ford’s $4.5bn investment into electric vehicles. The latest vehicle debuted yesterday, April 10, 2017, in New York and Los Angeles.

As well as helping to fight crime, the new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan is expected to assist cities by decreasing emissions, and offer potential fuel savings whilst driving and idling.

While driving, Ford’s hybrid technology is projected to provide US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-estimated combined petrol mileage of 38 miles per gallon compared to current Police Interceptors with a 3.7l V6 and EPA-estimated 18mpg combined.

While idling, the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan’s lithium-ion battery helps deliver the high electrical loads of a police vehicle, reducing engine run time and saving an estimated 0.27 gallons of fuel per hour.

According to Ford, Police Responder Hybrid Sedan customers could see nearly $3,900 a year in potential fuel savings per vehicle relative to the Police Interceptor, if a police vehicle is driven 20,000 miles per year, runs two shifts per day, 365 days per year, idles 4.9 hours per 8-hour shift, and is fuelled at an average gas price of $2.50/gallon.

The new vehicle will be the first hybrid sedan with full pursuit capabilities and is certified by police agencies as capable enough to handle police pursuits for longer periods at different speeds, and over obstacles such as curbs.

The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan uses an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter engine, an 88kW A/C electric motor and a 1.4kW lithium-ion battery. The hybrid is calibrated for law enforcement’s unique duty cycle and will run in battery-only mode up to 60mph. According to Ford, the car automatically switches to maximum performance – with the engine and battery working at peak acceleration levels – when needed.

“Our mission to create safe and healthy communities in Los Angeles is achieved through sustainable approaches in community policing, and that includes embracing new technologies,” said Charlie Beck, Los Angeles Police Department chief. “Patrol vehicles are a police officer’s office, and we expect them to not only be economically and environmentally efficient, but also an effective tool for fighting crime in major metropolitan areas.”

Ford currently sells the most police vehicles in the United States, with 63 per cent market share.