Ford expects a “good amount of transferability” between the outgoing Ford Police Interceptor Utility and the all-new 2020 Police Interceptor Utility, although transferability of law enforcement equipment will vary depending on the manufacturer of the equipment, according to Randy Freiburger, special vehicle engineering supervisor for Ford.

In January, Ford hosted a measuring session for equipment manufacturers, and the company continues to have conversations with its Upfitter Advisory Board members.

Here’s what Ford knows right now:

• Roof-mounted light bars are expected to transfer, based on similar widths of the outgoing model and the all-new 2020 vehicle. Some strap kits (to secure the ends of the light bar to the vehicle’s roof rails) may need to be updated, depending on the manufacturer.

• Some center consoles may transfer, when using the standard Ford console mounting plate. The center console interface at the instrument panel is different from prior model, so it will vary.

• Early feedback from some manufacturers indicates that the core section of the push bumper will carry over, with a change to the attaching brackets.

• With respect to second-row partitions, core sections may carry over (manufacturer dependent), with a change to the attaching brackets to the B-pillar.

• Third row/cargo area partitions are likely to change.

• Cargo area storage boxes appear to be able to transfer.

• Cargo area floor plates may need to change, depending on manufacturer.

“We’re very excited about the all-new 2020 Police Interceptor Utility, especially the standard hybrid AWD powertrain, which will potentially save agencies $3,500-$5,700 per [year] at fuel prices of $2.75-$4.50 per gallon,” Freiburger stated. “From an upfit perspective, it’s a great tribute to the designers and engineers who were able to increase total interior space by keeping the battery from intruding into the interior of the vehicle."

He added: "Additionally, the hybrid battery is capable of powering all of the installed electrical equipment such as emergency lighting, computers, radios, and other accessories with the engine off for extended periods of time, leading to the significant potential savings above.”

Thi Dao is executive editor of Government Fleet.