Government departments are under constant pressure and scrutiny to adopt cleaner, greener methods while staying within federal budgets and maintaining service levels. While this is a tricky tightrope for anybody to walk, the city of New York is doing it's part by introducing electric police cars to the fleet.
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| The original concept for the electric cop car |
The possibility of an electric cop car was originally investigated back in 2005 and while the 12v Dodge Police Interceptoy (pictured above) met the budget, it's 6 m.p.h. top speed and 75 minute battery life fell short of expectations and the project was shelved. 8 years on, a new version of the electric police vehicle was introduced in North Dakota by the Fargo PD.
The GEM e2 NEV, with it's 72v battery, tops out at a whopping 25 m.p.h. with a range of 30 miles. While they are not going to be any use in high-speed chases, they have replaced the bicycle mounted division of the local police department. Unfortunately the GEM is only useful for half of the year because the cold North Dakota winters have a drastic effect on the battery, and the open 'cockpit' does little to keep the officers protected from the elements.
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| The GEM e2 NEV with optional rear mounted donut basket |
Last week the NYPD trumped these efforts with their 16 car fleet of modified Chevy Volt hybrid electric police cars. Boasting a 35 mile all-electric range and a top speed of 100 m.p.h. the Volt is the most advanced electric police vehicle ever. Sadly the Volt can only sustain it's top speed for 21 minutes before exhausting the 435 pound battery. Fortunately, it is unlikely that anyone would get close to 100 m.p.h. driving the streets of New York.
I have compiled a list of pros and cons about being a police officer driving a big battery on wheels.
PROS
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| Chevy Volt Police Cruiser |
PROS
- The running costs are much cheaper than gas driven vehicles.
- The cars are virtually silent allowing police to sneak up on criminals.
- There are no shortage of plug-ins to power your in-car electronics.
- You spend less time at the gas station and more time arresting people.
- You get a good feeling from being Earth friendly
CONS
- The battery takes up most of the car leaving no space for weapons or felons
- Turning on your lights and sirens increases power consumption by 20%
- You wouldn't have enough power to pursue OJ for the full 2 hour, 50 mile chase
- Spending less time at the gas station means fewer donuts
- You don't get any 'hot chicks' like your colleague who got the 2015 Dodge Charger cop car
What do you think? Do the pros outweigh the cons? Should criminals play fair and use electrics for their getaway cars? Share you thoughts about electric vehicles in the comments section below.
1 comment :
Another article written by someone that knows nothing about the Chevy Volt. As an owner, I can tell you that when the car runs out of electricity from its battery, it has 350 miles of range left due to an onboard gas generator. The car averages 40 MPG for the whole 390 mile range. Cops won't be stuck on the road after the battery is exhausted, which is what your inaccurate thoughts on Volt police cars suggests. Best high speed pursuit vehicle capable of hauling suspects and weapons.....nope. But a very capable, clean and economical in-city patrol car.
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