The University Park Police Department is pleased to announce that it has received its first hybrid marked police cruiser and we expect two more in fiscal year 2021. The Department is working to protect and preserve the environment by transitioning its entire vehicle fleet with "green" vehicles. The new 2020 Ford Hybrid Police Interceptor SUV is expected to save at least 1,276 gallons of fuel per year, which equates to more than $3,500 per year in fuel savings. In addition to significant fuel cost savings, the hybrid vehicles will help the University Park Police and the Town of University Park reduce their carbon footprint. Each hybrid vehicle is projected to result in 22,000 fewer pounds of carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere each year.
These vehicles are the first ever pursuit-rated hybrid SUV, which means it has been equipped for the rigors of sustained high-speed driving and hard braking often associated with traffic enforcement and police emergency response with the power and safety features of a traditional all-gas police vehicle with a fraction of the emissions. The 2020 Ford Hybrid Police Interceptor SUV is viewed as the future of law enforcement vehicle fleets. In addition to better overall fuel economy, the new hybrid cruiser also reduces engine idle time by charging on-board electronic devices by using the car’s hybrid battery, allowing the gasoline engine to shut off for extended periods of time. The Michigan State Police recently completed a test trial and determined the Ford Hybrid Police Interceptor SUV performed better than traditional all-gas V-8 police SUVs offered by Chevrolet and Dodge.
We are excited about the opportunity to protect and conserve the environment while contributing to the Town of University Park’s sustainability initiative. While you are out and about the neighborhood, keep a lookout for our new 2020 Ford Hybrid Police Interceptor SUV #34. (Photo shows Corporal Graddy standing with the new 2020 Ford Hybrid Police Interceptor SUV.)