Vancouver Police Department has taken another step towards making law enforcement a little more environmentally friendly, adding 20 electric cars to its fleet.
The pure electric Ford Focus hatchbacks will replace 20 existing gas-powered vehicles.
The unmarked cars will be used by detectives following up on cases and by administrative staff. They will be equipped with sirens and emergency lights.
“We are thrilled to see the VPD replace 20 gas-powered cars with the same number of all electric vehicles that are green, clean and quiet,” said Doug Smith, director of the city’s sustainability group. “These new electric vehicles will positively impact Vancouver by reducing both air pollution and greenhouse gases. The VPD are an important part of the city’s Green Fleet Strategy to reduce fleet emissions by 50 per cent by 2030.”
A fully-charged electric Focus has a range of approximately 185 kilometres and takes five and a half hours to charge to 80 per cent. A 33.5 kilowatt hour lithium-ion battery powers its 107-kilowatt electric motor.
The department, in partnership with the city, has installed 22 charging stations. The 20 new electric vehicles add to the department’s existing green fleet that includes two pure electric vehicles, 12 hybrids and two electric motorcycles.
@JessicaEKerr
