Ford relies on Mexico to deliver first pursuit-rated hybrid police car

12 April, 2017

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Ford Motor Co., the leading police vehicles seller in the United States, has launched the industry’s first pursuit-rated hybrid police car.

The all-new Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan, is part of a US$ 4.5 billion Ford investment to make electric vehicles in an effort to be an auto and a mobility company, including leading in electric and self-driving vehicles, and new mobility solutions.

The hybrid sedans will be built in Hermosillo, Sonora, and modified at the Chicago Assembly Plant.

While idling, the Police Responder Hybrid Sedan’s lithium-ion battery helps power the high electrical loads of a police vehicle, reducing engine run time and saving an estimated 0.27 gallons of fuel per hour.

Ford’s patented hybrid technology is projected to provide EPA-estimated combined gas mileage of 38 miles per gallon.

“Police Responder Hybrid Sedan customers could see nearly US$ 3,900 a year in potential fuel savings per vehicle relative to the Police Interceptor, if a police vehicle is driven 20,000 miles per year, runs two shifts per day, 365 days per year, idles 4.9 hours per 8-hour shift, and is fueled at an average gas price of US$ 2.50/gallon,” said the company in a press release.

The new vehicle will be the first hybrid sedan with full pursuit capabilities. That means the car is certified by police agencies to be tough enough to handle police pursuits for longer periods at different speeds and over obstacles such as curbs and flooded intersections.

The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan uses an Atkinson-cycle 2.0-liter engine with an electric motor fed by an advanced lithium-ion battery. The hybrid is calibrated for law enforcement’s unique duty cycle and will run in battery-only mode up to 60 mph.

The car automatically switches to maximum performance – with the engine and battery working at peak acceleration levels – when needed.

The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan can be ordered this spring and will be delivered to police departments nationwide next summer.

Ford owns 63% of the police vehicle market share in the U.S., and has sold units to law enforcement since 1920 back in the days of the Model T (see video below).

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