The Carmel Police Department has begun switching its fleet of patrol cars from regular gasoline-powered vehicles to Ford Hybrid Interceptors – a move that will save the City of Carmel about $3,000 per year for each patrol car (based on today’s average price of a gallon of gas in Indiana). This will provide for an estimated annual savings of nearly $400,000 once the entire 130-car fleet is replaced.
The contract for the new police cars calls for the delivery of 17 new vehicles to be delivered this year. The plan is to gradually replace the entire Operations Division fleet with the Hybrids over the next five years. The move to hybrid engines is also better on the environment thanks to a reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide released into the air.
Barlow
Brainard
“This is a smart move on many different levels,” said Mayor Jim Brainard, who has championed the cause of implementing green technology where it makes sense and can save money throughout the city operations. “The thousands of dollars we save taxpayers by using this new technology will allow our police department to invest in more proactive measures to keep our crime rate among the lowest in the nation. When you combine the clean-burning energy of these hybrid engines with our network of roundabouts, we are able to take another big leap in keeping our air cleaner in Carmel.”
According to Ford Motor Company, the new hybrid police vehicles can greatly reduce the amount of time a patrol car spends idling on the job. The on-board electrical equipment can be powered using the lithium-ion hybrid battery, allowing the gasoline engine to shut off – running only intermittently to charge the battery.
“This is a win–win situation for the Carmel Police Department,” said Carmel Police Chief Jim Barlow. “Officers will not see a difference in the performance and functionality of the new police vehicles, yet we will be saving fuel and lowering carbon dioxide emissions.”
The entire city is corrupt. From a mayor and counselmen that are looking out for themselves, to a municipal department that is clueless and is more wirried about keeping minorities out of its town. They all need to be voted out and replaced. NO MORE BUILDING AND TAKING KICK BACKS!!!!!
“clean-burning energy of these hybrid engines” …uhh what? Let it warm up in a closed garage and you’ll end up with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Well, at least it’s half of the way there. Perhaps in the future, they can go full electric to save even more money for quicker, safer, cars.