Is the UK Police Force going electric?!

As the focus in the car industry switches to electric, it makes sense in a post-pandemic world that Police forces across the UK would also switch to electric vehicle, they’ve proven time again that they can keep up with the current range of vehicles.

Gloucestershire Constabulary last year took delivery of 75 electric vehicles from Nissan, which made up an incredible 21% of their fleet as well as reducing their CO2 output by an incredible 190 tonnes a year. 66 of the 75 electric vehicles were the best-selling Nissan LEAFs which we reviewed here. Not only does an electric fleet mean reduced CO2 output, but it also means that the cost of maintenance and fuel will save Gloucestershire Constabulary an estimated £136,000! The force will also benefit from less servicing as there’s fewer moving parts than a petrol- or diesel-powered vehicle.

A lot of debate with electric vehicles is the range, and people were quick to question whether the humble Nissan LEAF had the mile power required for the force. The answer is a resounding yes. After heavy research it was calculated that officers are driving around 70 miles a day, so a 180-mile range is more than adequate.

It’s not just Nissan that’s getting involved with creating electric Police cars. Ford have built a new Mustang Mach-E police vehicle concept that could soon be seen fighting crime on the streets. Safeguard SVP and Ford have a long-standing working relationship, so they were the natural pairing when it came to making the Ford Mustang Mach-E fit for fighting crime.

Safeguard SVP gave the Mustang Mach-E LED strobe lights, sirens, radios, and modern take on the instantly recognisable and livery, which is more reflective than usual to improve other motorist’s visibility.

The initial concept vehicle is based on the Mustang Mach-E Standard Range AWD model, which has a 68kWh battery pack, a very impressive 248-mile range and an incredible 265bhp output. If that’s not impressive enough, you’ll be interested in knowing that there would also be a performance option fitted with the same powertrain as the Mustang Mach-E GT which offers a fantastic 480bhp with acceleration from 0-62mph in a mind-blowing 3.7 seconds! Good luck getting away from that!

Seven UK forces, the Metropolitan Police, Sussex, Surrey, South Wales, Dyfed-Powys, Devon and Cornwall and Police Scotland have already tested the Mustang Mach-E or asked for a full report on the prototype, so you might see the incredible Mustang Mach-E policing the streets near you!