Getting to Electric Vehicles: Back to the Future

• NCJ Number: 172566
• Author(s): T Browne; O King; M Sellers
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 31 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: California Cmssn on Peace Officer Standards and Training
• Sale Source: NCJRS Photocopy Services; POST Media Distribution Ctr
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study developed policy considerations to assist in the identification and development of strategic and transition management concerns of police managers who may be interested in evaluating the benefits of electric vehicles (EVs) as an alternative to internal combustion engine fleets; they are intended to show the potential impact of EVs on law enforcement in terms of finances, officer training, and fleet management.

Abstract

The authors are convinced that there is considerable data to support the use of advanced EVs within police fleets. Daily maintenance is cleaner, since gasoline, oil, coolants, and other traditionally used automotive fluids are not used in EVs. Operational costs are expected to be considerably less as well. Charging vehicles with electricity is less expensive than fueling with gasoline and other alternative fuels. It is important that the law enforcement community recognize that the emerging electric transportation system in California is near. Drawbacks such as providing for the infrastructure to charge EVs and the possibility of being forced to increase the size of the fleet to accommodate extended charging are but a few of the problem areas to be faced. As technology improves, the cost should be greatly reduced, making the purchase of EVs more attractive. It is conceivable that in the near future, many, if not most, police vehicles will be electric powered. This assumption is based not only on approaching State law, but on the obvious limitations that future fossil fuel consumption will bring. As the adoption of EV power will meet with some resistance, it will be the responsibility of those suggesting change to provide sufficient data to address issues that will have a short-term or long-term impact on participating organizations. Such a plan will require a substantial commitment from those law enforcement leaders who see the value of implementing zero-emission vehicles into their agency vehicle fleets. A 22-item bibliography and 27 notes