Over the next several months, the Elk River Police Department (ERPD) will have added six new hybrid utility SUVs as replacements to its vehicle fleet. Residents may have already noticed the first 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid SUV around town, with a second set to arrive in the next few weeks, followed by four more this summer. In addition to roughly 1,200 gallons of fuel savings annually ($3,500/year), the hybrid offers unique advantages in engine and traction/stability control functions specific to law enforcement.
The vehicle pairs a V-6 powertrain and a 44-horsepower (HP) electric motor for a total output of 318 HP. When combined, the hybrid system works transparently alongside the powertrain - continuously reevaluating system demands, vehicle speeds, etc. and as a result, adjusting the level of output by the internal-combustion engine, electric motor, or both to achieve optimal battery charge and overall performance.
For police officers, their office is their vehicle which was another reason ERPD was drawn to the new Interceptor vehicles. The new model has an improved interior built for the officer, their utility belt, computer, and other necessary equipment. Not to mention, it’s the only vehicle, worldwide, engineered to withstand a 75-mph rear-impact crash test, according to Ford. This feature alone would have been beneficial for one officer who was rear-ended during a snowstorm last December, resulting in both officer injury and a totaled squad.