Los Angeles police goes electric with 100 new BMW i3S

When we talk about new additions to the fleets of the various law enforcement agencies, we usually refer to the acquisition of supercars. Or at least cars that were once used by drug lords and that ultimately end up in the hands of law enforcement officers. But in this case we are going to talk about a much more modest car, although, yes, with the latest technology on board. It is the BMW i3S, the small electric city car from the Bavarian brand, which joins the Los Angeles police fleet.

These vehicles were not built to give their best in a chase, but the Californian department did not buy them for use in any of those races after the criminals we see in the news and movies. Electric cars are very practical for routine tasks, such as transfers, administrative procedures and other low-risk, low-demand functions.

Electric vehicles for risk-free errands

In total, 100 units have joined the fleet and have already begun serving officers who have to get around a city as chaotic as Los Angeles. According to the department’s managers, although these small city cars are more expensive than combustion models, they will offer considerable savings over their useful life.

The maintenance of the BMW i3S will be handled by the police mechanics. Charging the battery is not as costly as filling the tank, so they will be able to recoup that extra cost in a very short time, without passing the cost on to taxpayers. It is not only a matter of fuel savings; maintenance costs are also much lower, which will multiply the savings. The LAPD’s own mechanics will carry out the maintenance work, after receiving specific training from the company.

This is important, since the lease of these units has been signed for a period of three years, during which their functionality will be evaluated and this type of vehicle may be chosen for more tasks in the future.

Charging for the 100 BMW i3S is guaranteed by 104 charging stations installed at various police stations and garages, so that the vehicles are always ready for use. Each one has a range of 300 kilometers, enough for the tasks they will have to carry out.

Via | Gizmag