Georgia's Avondale Estates Police Department is among the growing number of law enforcement agencies adding electric vehicles to their fleet. The department recently purchased three new Mustang Mach-E vehicles for their administration. Chief Harry Hess along with two officers picked up the new vehicles on August 11. 

In addition to replacing patrol cars, the Avondale Estates Police Department sought to add three cars to the fleet for department administrators. The city has six hybrid patrol vehicles in the fleet, and wanted to continue to add sustainable options while still being fiscally responsible. Though hybrids weren’t an option due to lack of availability for the police interceptor vehicles, Chief Hess was able to identify available Ford Mustang Mach-Es as all-electric vehicles that that could fit AEPD’s administrators’ needs.

The Mach-E has been used by police administrators in other police departments including the city of Brookhaven and the Savannah School District. After analyzing the anticipated savings on fuel and maintenance, the costs of the three electric vehicles compared to internal combustion vehicles was roughly the same over the vehicles life span, the department noted.  

“Coincidentally, I attended the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police conference in late July where electric vehicles were a hot topic," Police Chief Hess stated. "I was able to see the Mach-E in person and speak with other chiefs about EV options they're considering. Obviously, the automobile industry as well as police departments are heading to alternative fuel options. It made me really comfortable with our choice.”