Police in Ann Arbor, Michigan, will get a pair of new Ford electric vehicles to use within the town. The city will add a pair of Ford Mustang Mach-E EVs to its fleet at a cost of almost $94,000. City fleet manager Matt Kulhanek did confirm that the city is purchasing all-wheel-drive models to deal with winter weather conditions.
Enhancing Sustainability Efforts
The EVs are expected to arrive later in 2021 and will drive about 210 miles per charge. The fully electric vehicles are consistent with the city’s established sustainability effort, including the Green Fleets Policy. Ann Arbor is currently moving towards all-electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles as part of its goal to become carbon neutral by 2030. This move is part of a broader initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote cleaner air quality in the city. By integrating electric vehicles into their fleet, Ann Arbor is setting an example for other municipalities to follow.
The city sustainability office is throwing in $30,549 towards the purchases. The vehicles also require Level 2 chargers at an additional cost of around $5000. The city currently plans to add 100 new EV chargers throughout the community in 2021. These chargers will not only support the new police vehicles but also encourage residents to consider electric vehicles by making charging more accessible.
Benefits of Electric Police Vehicles
Electric vehicles offer several advantages over traditional gasoline-powered cars, especially for police work. One significant benefit is the reduction in fuel costs. Electric vehicles are cheaper to operate per mile compared to their gasoline counterparts. This can result in substantial savings for the city over time. Additionally, electric vehicles require less maintenance, as they have fewer moving parts and do not need oil changes, which further reduces operational costs.
Another advantage is the environmental impact. By using electric vehicles, the police department will contribute to reducing the city’s carbon footprint. This aligns with Ann Arbor’s commitment to sustainability and its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The use of electric vehicles also helps in reducing noise pollution, which can be beneficial in urban areas.
Moreover, the Ford Mustang Mach-E is known for its performance and reliability. With all-wheel drive, these vehicles are well-suited for the varying weather conditions in Michigan, ensuring that the police can perform their duties effectively even in winter. The Mach-E’s quick acceleration and advanced technology features, such as real-time navigation and connectivity, can enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of the police force.
The introduction of electric vehicles in the police fleet also serves as a public demonstration of the city’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. It can inspire confidence in the community and encourage local businesses and residents to consider adopting electric vehicles.
The addition of the Ford Mustang Mach-E EVs to Ann Arbor’s police fleet is a significant step towards achieving the city’s sustainability goals. It demonstrates a commitment to reducing environmental impact, lowering operational costs, and improving the efficiency of the police force. As the city continues to expand its EV infrastructure, it sets a positive example for other communities to follow in the pursuit of a greener future.
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