The SDPD’s Emergency Vehicle Operator Course (EVOC) instructors are creating a training video on PIU Hybrid operation that will be required viewing for police officers before they can drive the vehicles.
Now the SUV makes up the vast majority of the Massachusetts State Police frontline fleet, and the agency is hoping to transition to the new PIU Hybrids when possible, ordering 161 hybrid versions this year.
“The 2020 Ford Police Interceptor is made in Chicago, by Chicagoans and for Chicago police officers,” said Jonathan Lewin, chief of technical services, Chicago Police Department. “This is just another example of Chicago living up to its reputation as the ‘city that works.’”
James Morgan, a Ford government sales manager, explains what sets the 2020 Ford Police Interceptor apart from the Ford Explorer, what's changed from previous models, and what's stayed the same.
In January, Ford hosted a measuring session for equipment manufacturers, and the company continues to have conversations with its Upfitter Advisory Board members.
Police vehicles with hybrid gas-electric engines will save law enforcement agencies money and cut emissions. More importantly, they can do the job.
This year the Big 3 are offering new SUVs, new engines, and new features for law enforcement fleets.
Factory-installed Police Perimeter Aler uses sensors to monitor an approximately 270-degree area around the vehicle. It detects nearby movement to alert officers of any suspicious activity. When such motion is detected, the system automatically turns on the rear camera, sounds a chime, rolls up the windows, and locks the doors.
The 2020 EcoBoost-powered PIU was faster than V8-equipped sedans. The standard hybrid 2020 PIU also beat all competitive SUV entries, including V8-equipped models, with the fastest 0-100 mph, fastest lap and fastest average lap.
Ford says that with its fuel savings and reduced cost of maintenance the 2020 PI Utility hybrid will pay back the additional cost of the hybrid powertrain in two years.