The Michigan State Police Acquires First Electric Patrol Vehicle
The Michigan State Police (MSP) has recently added its first electric patrol vehicle to its fleet, joining a growing trend among police departments to integrate electric vehicles into their operations.
The vehicle in question is a modified 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E, specifically customized for police use. It has been assigned to the MSP’s State Security Operations Section to be utilized by properties security officers at state-owned and leased facilities in and around Lansing, Michigan’s capital.
The Michigan State Police has a reputation for rigorously testing all new police vehicles, and has been actively evaluating electric vehicles since 2022. Prior to this acquisition, the department had primarily explored hybrid police cars as an alternative to traditional internal-combustion vehicles.
While Michigan is catching up in the adoption of electric police vehicles, other parts of the country have already made strides in this area. Ford has been promoting the Mustang Mach-E as a suitable police vehicle since 2021, with the New York Police Department (NYPD) having already incorporated a few into their fleet. In addition to the Mustang Mach-E, Ford also offers a police version of the F-150 Lightning pickup truck, and is exploring the development of “purpose-built electric police vehicles.”
Despite California’s leadership in electric vehicle sales among civilians, several police departments in the state have adopted electric cars, including Tesla Model 3 and Model Y crossovers that have been modified for police use. Some departments have expressed concerns about the suitability of these aftermarket-modified vehicles for police work.
While options for electric police vehicles are currently limited, there are potential future developments on the horizon. Stellantis has hinted at a potential police version of the all-electric Dodge Charger Daytona, which could serve as a viable replacement for traditional gasoline-powered Charger sedans as they are phased out of service.