NYPD Takes Step Toward All-Electric Fleet with 184 Mustang Mach-E SUVs
The NYPD has over 6,300 police vehicles in the largest city in the world. Adding 184 new Ford Mustang Mach-E Patrol Vehicles to the mix is only a drop in the bucket, but it’s a start. After the new Mach-E electric SUV appeared at the 2022 New York Auto Show, the NYPD agreed to gradually retire the traditional sedan-based police interceptor models in favor of these new electric SUVs.
Why is the NYPD moving toward Ford Mustang Mach-E Patrol Vehicles?
A more fitting Ford vehicle for police work might be the traditional Mustang, but there’s not a lot of rear-seat room for criminals being brought to police stations around the city. As Police 1 tells us, new police-rated sedans are disappearing from the market. Ford no longer offers the Taurus or Fusion, which leaves SUVs as the next best alternative.
The NYPD had already stocked up on sedan-style interceptors, but once they wear out. They can’t be replaced with other sedans. Currently, the department maintains them, but SUVs are the future of police work.
While this doesn’t explain the use of the Mustang Mach-E, it does explain why more police vehicles are now SUVs. The city of New York ordered 184 of the Ford Mustang Mach-E Patrol Vehicles in December to be used by various law enforcement agencies.
Are these new Mach-E SUVs a move toward an all-electric fleet?
If the NYPD is shifting toward an all-electric fleet, they are doing so slowly. This first batch of Mustang Mach-E SUVs will be delivered in June and help the NYPD determine how they can go fully electric.
“It’s a work in progress. We have precincts that are one square mile and precincts that are 20 square miles. But this is a great opportunity to get our feet wet and see where they work and where they don’t. “ – Robert Martinez, deputy commissioner NYPD support services bureau
The NYPD isn’t relying solely on the new electric Mustangs
As a secondary step forward and one that won’t run out of juice and take all night to recharge. The NYPD has also recently added 600 more Hybrid Ford Explorer Police Interceptor SUVs to the fleet. These hybrid Ford SUVs help police handle emergencies in snow and stormy weather. They are much more capable than the current fleet of sedans.
Currently, the fleet of NYPD sedans outnumber SUVs by 549, but that could change in a hurry. The department owns 2,879 SUVs and without available sedans, that number will only increase. Many of the new police vehicles could be Ford Explorer Hybrid Police Interceptors or Mustang Mach-E Patrol Vehicles if these new electric SUVs prove to be useful.
Will other police departments order the Ford Mustang Mach-E Patrol Vehicles?
Some police departments could be slow to change or wait to see the NYPD results using these new electric SUVs. If these new Mach-Es prove useful and capable of police work, it could mean a shift toward EVs in many communities around the country.
