Photo: BMW
California is beyond a doubt leading the fight against pollution in the US and their plans to make a change are making a small difference already. EVs are also extremely popular in the Sunshine State and it seems like the administration should take notice.
In this regard, the Los Angeles Police Department just received a brand new BMW i3 Police Car as a loaner from the Bavarian manufacturer for twelve months. This is much more than the attempt to set an example, this is an experiment as well.
According to BMW, this will be testing the use of an innovative EV in an authority fleet, something that hasn’t been tried before. Of course, the i3 will function as a full-on Police Car and it was dressed in the traditional black and white livery all LAPD cars have along with a rooftop lightbar.
“The decision by the Los Angeles Police Department to undertake this evaluation highlights the compelling nature of the BMW i3 as a versatile, sustainable vehicle,” noted Christine Fleischer, Manager – BMW i for BMW of North America. “By virtue of its innovative design and construction from leading-edge materials, the i3 is a brilliant fit with the technology-driven research philosophy of the LAPD. This will be a valuable learning experience for both BMW and the Department.”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t specified if the car is a pure EV or the range-extended model but in either case, the choice is a smart one. The range of the EV version goes up to around 100 miles (160 km) which should be enough for patrolling purposes. The great advantage of the i3 is that it has a very short turning radius that allows it to navigate through the busy city streets of LA with ease.
Furthermore, it will definitely stand out in the crowd and may bring in valuable info about how EVs could be used by police forces around the world in the future.
According to BMW, this will be testing the use of an innovative EV in an authority fleet, something that hasn’t been tried before. Of course, the i3 will function as a full-on Police Car and it was dressed in the traditional black and white livery all LAPD cars have along with a rooftop lightbar.
“The decision by the Los Angeles Police Department to undertake this evaluation highlights the compelling nature of the BMW i3 as a versatile, sustainable vehicle,” noted Christine Fleischer, Manager – BMW i for BMW of North America. “By virtue of its innovative design and construction from leading-edge materials, the i3 is a brilliant fit with the technology-driven research philosophy of the LAPD. This will be a valuable learning experience for both BMW and the Department.”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t specified if the car is a pure EV or the range-extended model but in either case, the choice is a smart one. The range of the EV version goes up to around 100 miles (160 km) which should be enough for patrolling purposes. The great advantage of the i3 is that it has a very short turning radius that allows it to navigate through the busy city streets of LA with ease.
Furthermore, it will definitely stand out in the crowd and may bring in valuable info about how EVs could be used by police forces around the world in the future.
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