![Quote](images/misc/quote_icon.png)
Originally Posted by
Nobody
1st, its not the police but governments that purchase vehicles. A lot of times, the purchaser has no clue as to why a vehicle needs this feature.
2nd, reliability of an EV is not the issue, but capabilities. Large metropolitan areas there isn't that big of a deal, but county, regional and state vehicles where you have large areas, where you may not be able to get to a changing area when the battery dies. It is far easier to bring a gas can to get them on their way, from either other law enforcement or even civilian help.
3rd the shear amount of power usage in a police vehicle is not conducive towards EV. Even something as simple as a traffic light out, that police cruiser is sitting with lights on for hours. It is not the quick dash or sprints ,its the long term usage. Warning lights, radios, computers and the vehicle, that is a huge drain on power. Can an EV battery pack actually handle that much and still be able to punch it when needed?
4th it takes law enforcement decades to convert to new tech. Look at how bad police didn't give up revolvers, or even certain makes of vehicles. Police stick to what they know.
5th how are high speed handling characteristics of EVs? I do not know, and i am not talking about race prepped models, but the typical miles long, full throttle hammering. Police are horrible drivers, which all things considered, they have to much to really deal with. Then add in a heavy EV and you have potential wrecks by the people who are supposed to represent law & order.
6th till the major manufacturers actually offer an as equally capable EV with the police package, we may never know. Police might actually want an EV for certain areas, but till Ford, Chevy, Dodge make one, they won't get one.