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Repentigny: Patrolling in an Electric Car

Project overview: testing an electric patrol car

Vehicle: Ford Mustang Mach-E

Source of funding: Green Municipal Fund

GHGs saved (projected): 92 tonnes in 4 years

Savings (projected): $60,000/year/e-patrol car

Project history

In the fall of 2019, the city of Repentigny is looking to implement initiatives to reduce its GHG emissions. The electrification of the municipal fleet is elaborated with no city department being left out. The police department begins planning for the integration of an electric vehicle as a patrol car for emergency calls, a first in Canada.

The Innovative Vehicle Institute (IVI) analyzed the needs of the department by collecting data on 10 patrol cars. At the time, two vehicle models could meet the established criteria. Since a police car is not an ordinary vehicle, it must be modified to meet the needs of police officers. A Quebec company was responsible for making the necessary modifications in accordance with current standards.

From the very first test drive on a closed circuit at the École nationale de police du Québec, it was clear that this car would meet the needs of the police force. Acceleration, braking, and handling proved to be superior to the traditional gasoline patrol car.

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The City of Repentigny's patrol car was modified by a Quebec company to meet the needs of the city's police department.

Credit : City of Repentigny

Real-world usage

In the summer of 2022, the electric vehicle makes its official debut and is used every other shift by charging at a 7.2 kW station. The following fall, the vehicle is used during the day and evening shifts using a 50 kW fast charging station. Since January 2023, the electric patrol car has been running continuously with no range issues identified.

The objective of the pilot project is to use the vehicle in a real environment, without air conditioning or heating. The vehicle is also used for various aspects of police surveillance: road safety, street patrol, emergency calls. The objective is to really know the viability of this option in the long term before integrating it permanently into the police service.

Telling numbers

According to estimates produced by the IVI, and based on gasoline at $1.17/L, the use of an electric car such as the one chosen by Repentigny would generate annual savings of about 15%. These calculations only consider the purchase price, vehicle modification costs and energy costs. Maintenance is not included for the moment. Since maintenance costs are reduced for EVs in general, the savings would be even more impressive.

The life of the patrol car could also be longer than its gasoline counterpart. Current estimates suggest that the vehicle could be in operation for 6 to 7 years, compared to 4 to 5 years for a gas-powered patrol car.

Tips for a successful fleet electrification

The city shares the steps it believes should be taken for successful electrification.

Pilot project participation: Many pilot projects exist for municipalities and businesses. They are a unique awareness and education tool that may lead to innovative projects. For example, a few years ago, Repentigny participated in IVI's "Flotte rechargeable" project.

Charging is important: This is one of the first crucial steps where you have to assess your needs and the budget required. At the Repentigny police department, a 50 kW charging station had to be installed in addition to the existing 7.2 kW charging station for this project (subsidies exist for the installation of charging stations).

Think electric: When a vehicle needs to be replaced, ask yourself if a hybrid or 100% electric option exists. If the option is adequate, the electric equivalent will most likely meet the need.

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