The Los Angeles police department has unveiled it’s latest tool in the fight against a crime – a tiny electric powered BMW police car.
It’s doubtful whether the sight of the little $42,000 motor will strike fear in the hearts of criminals, but the move does signify the department’s efforts to go green.
In an unveiling ceremony in the heart of Los Angeles, California, on Friday, the black-and-white BMW i3, officially became a part of the police department’s fleet.
BMW has loaned the car to the force for a year as part of Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti’s desire to get more electric or plug-in cars into the city.
Mayor Eric Garcetti told USA Today: ‘Today, we take another step toward becoming the most sustainable city in America.
‘This year, Los Angeles will become home to the largest city-owned fleet of pure battery electric vehicles anywhere in the country, and we will save taxpayer dollars along the way.’
And while it is not necessarily set for a high speed chase it is pretty powerful. It can reach speeds of 0 to 30 mph in 3.5 seconds.
It also gets 81 miles per charge or 150 miles per charge – depending on the model.
Altogether BMW has leased a total of 160 electric vehicles to the city. They will be used by the city’s police department, fire department, and water and power services.
BMW has leased an additional 128 plug-in hybrids to the general services and water and power departments.
It’s thought that automakers will benefit the most from the publicity that the vehicles will gain as they zoom around the city fighting crime.
The car makers have to sell more zero-emission vehicles under a state mandate.
But it’s been difficult to convince consumers that the cars are worth buying, especially those motorists who are more used to gas guzzling vehicles.
with gas prices low and lower-range electric vehicles out of favor, the clean cars been a tough sell with consumers.
A spokesperson for BMW said: ‘The decision by the Los Angeles Police Department to undertake this evaluation highlights the compelling nature of the BMW i3 as a versatile, sustainable vehicle,’
‘The i3 is a brilliant fit with the technology-driven research philosophy of the LAPD.’
