The Westchester County Department of Public Safety has obtained its first all-electric marked patrol vehicle and has designated it for assignment to the County Police precinct in the village of Mount Kisco. The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E is the latest addition to the County’s growing fleet of electric vehicles, which are utilized by multiple County government agencies.
Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “Westchester County is committed to a wide range of actions to lower carbon emissions, address climate change and promote sustainability. The expanding use of electric vehicles is just one of the things we are doing to ensure a healthier future for the people of Westchester.”
Public Safety Commissioner Terrance Raynor said the purchase is part of a pilot program to assess the effectiveness of the Mustang Mach- E as a patrol vehicle and determine if more should be purchased in the future. It also sends a message that the Department is a partner in the County’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.
“The electric vehicle is a great addition to our Patrol fleet and will enhance our community policing initiatives in Mount Kisco,” Raynor said. He noted that the County Police have multiple hybrid vehicles in its fleet as well.
Mount Kisco Mayor Gina D. Picinich said the vehicle will be a welcome addition in the Village: “As a Bronze Certified Climate Smart Community, Mount Kisco is the perfect location for this electric vehicle pilot program by Westchester County Police. The Ford Mustang Mach-E will enhance the Village’s existing electric fleet which includes five vehicles. We appreciate the County’s partnership as we all work together to reduce carbon emissions and create a safer, cleaner environment.”
Westchester County Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability Peter McCartt said, “Transportation accounts for well over a third of all greenhouse gas emissions, especially here in Westchester, so electrification of our fleet from buses to County Police to our departments of Senior Programs and Social Services has been environmental mandate one for this administration dating back to January 2018. We are also vastly expanding the charging infrastructure needed to support our fleet vehicles but also for our employees and the general public. We will be adding more vehicles across the spectrum of our fleet classes including trucks and vans as they reach the market.”
Westchester County Department of Public Works & Transportation Commissioner Hugh Greechan noted that the electric patrol vehicle will be cheaper to operate and maintain than gasoline-powered Patrol cars. DPW&T oversees the purchase, preparation and maintenance of vehicles used by all County government agencies.
“There is ample evidence that electric-powered vehicles don’t experience the wear and tear that gasoline-powered vehicles do, and therefore do not need to come of the road as often for regular maintenance,” he said.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E is the first all-electric vehicle to meet the rigorous road-testing standards used by the Michigan State Police. MSP, along with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, establish standards that are utilized by police departments nationwide when considering new Patrol vehicles for their fleets.
The Ford Mustang Mach-E:
- Has a 480-hoursepower engine
- Goes from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds
- Has a range of about 270 miles before needing a charge
- Is estimated to save a minimum of $ 2,500 in fuel costs over the next five years.