News: Police Go Green with Ford Fusion Hybrid

Ford Adds More Efficient New Police Cruiser

Ford unveiled the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan in a joint press conference with the Los Angeles Police Department. It is projected to double the fuel economy of the current police vehicles while still being able to perform the same tasks.

“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.”

With almost two-thirds of the current police vehicle market, Ford figures this gives them a new angle. The company’s current Police Interceptor model, based on a Taurus and available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive, challenged conventional wisdom that a V8 was needed for police work (Ford also offers a police version of the Explorer SUV). It offered a V6 that had more horsepower than the old Crown Vic’s V8, but still only delivered 18 mpg combined. The new Fusion Hybrid-based model should double that while offering similar performance and durability.

Saving While Idling

While idling, the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan’s lithium-ion battery helps power the high electrical loads of a police vehicle, reducing engine run time and saving an estimated 0.27 gallons of fuel per hour. 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 fueled at an average gas price of $2.50/gallon. The Ford Police Responder online fuel calculator enables customers to determine how much they may potentially save.

The new vehicle will be the first hybrid sedan with full pursuit capabilities, meaning an upgraded suspension, stronger brakes, skidplates underneath and rearranged seats to accommodate police equipment. That means the car is certified by police agencies to be tough enough to handle police pursuits for longer periods at different speeds and over obstacles such as curbs and flooded intersections.

The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan can be ordered this this spring and will be delivered to police departments nationwide next summer.

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