Michigan State Police has begun testing the all-electric 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E police vehicle, marking a significant move towards electrifying their fleet. The Mach-E will be part of a special unit focused on evaluating electric vehicles (EVs) for law enforcement and providing valuable data for police fleet managers and purchasing agents across the country. This move could play a pivotal role in shaping Ford’s future police fleet sales.
Michigan State Police Adds First EV to Patrol Fleet
On Monday, Michigan State Police announced the addition of its first electric vehicle (EV) to its patrol fleet. The all-electric 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E will be used by the police’s State Security Operations Section. These officers specialize in law enforcement and security at state-owned and leased facilities in the Lansing area. Their patrols generally cover smaller areas with fewer miles, making this EV a suitable choice for their operations.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to see, in real-time, how a battery electric vehicle performs on patrol,” said Col. James Grady, director of Michigan State Police. He noted that the officers in this section patrol within city limits at lower speeds, and the availability of charging stations in downtown Lansing provides a perfect environment for testing an electric police vehicle.
Other Police Agencies Using the Ford Mach-E
While Michigan State Police leads the charge, other agencies across the country have already started using the Ford Mach-E. These include departments in Ann Arbor, Oakdale (California), and Westchester County (New York), according to reports from Officer.com.
Ford’s Legacy and Expertise in Police Vehicles
Ford has a long history of working with police departments, dating back to the early 1900s. In 1915, the Oakland, California, police force made Ford vehicles their standard patrol cars. In 1950, Ford became the first automaker to offer a police-package vehicle, featuring upgraded power options and improved comfort and safety.
This tradition continues today with the offering of various police-equipped vehicles, including the F-150 Lightning Pro Special Service Vehicles and the popular gasoline-powered Police Interceptor SUV.
Ford’s police vehicles are known for their reliability, durability, and high performance. The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E is expected to live up to these standards while introducing a new, environmentally friendly option for police forces.
The Mustang Mach-E Police Pilot Program
Ford’s Mustang Mach-E Police Pilot Program, which began in 2022, is a crucial part of the automaker’s strategy to introduce electric vehicles to law enforcement. Lindsey Bertino, Ford’s police brand marketing manager, explained that insights gained from the Michigan State Police’s evaluation will help Ford refine its police vehicle strategy.
“The Mustang Mach-E Police Pilot program has allowed us to test the performance of the vehicle in real-world police operations,” Bertino said. “We are excited to have Michigan State Police use the Mach-E as part of this ongoing research.”
Importance of Michigan State Police’s Evaluation
The Michigan State Police is known for its thorough and nationally recognized Police Vehicle Evaluation program. The program tests police vehicles from various manufacturers and evaluates their performance in key areas like acceleration, safety, and reliability. The results of these tests are shared with police fleet managers and purchasing agents across the country, helping them make informed decisions about which vehicles to include in their fleets.
Lt. Nicholas Darlington, commander of the Michigan State Police’s Precision Driving Unit, explained that the addition of the Mach-E will help the department study long-term performance and determine if there are potential cost savings. This data will be crucial for police agencies looking to make the switch to electric vehicles, and it could open the door for broader use of EVs in law enforcement.
“We began testing battery electric vehicles in 2022, but until now, hybrids were the only alternative fuel vehicles in our fleet,” Lt. Darlington said. “Adding the Mach-E allows us to evaluate its long-term performance and see if it can fit into our patrol duties efficiently.”
Potential for Cost Savings and Broader Applicability
One of the key reasons for testing electric vehicles like the Mach-E is to explore potential cost savings. Electric vehicles typically have lower maintenance and fuel costs compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars, and their long-term performance could make them a more affordable choice for police fleets.
State police spokesman Mike Shaw confirmed that the test period for the Mach-E is yet to be decided. The department may conduct yearly evaluations or provide one final assessment at the end of the test period. Regardless of the timeline, the results of this test are expected to have a significant impact on Ford’s future police vehicle offerings.
A Future of Electric Police Vehicles
Ford’s commitment to electric vehicles for police departments shows their dedication to innovation and sustainability. The introduction of the Mustang Mach-E to Michigan State Police is just one example of how EVs could play a role in the future of law enforcement. As more departments test and adopt electric vehicles, the automotive industry will likely see increased demand for purpose-built electric police vehicles.
Ford’s efforts are expected to lead the way for other automakers as they begin to develop and market electric police vehicles, with the potential for cost savings and environmental benefits making this an exciting development for the future of law enforcement.
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