DATE: April 26, 2024
SUBJECT: Sheriff’s Office Unveils First Ever Electric Patrol Vehicle
RELEASE NUMBER: 2024-NR-04262
CONTACT: Sheriff Noah Robinson
AUTHORITY: Sheriff Noah Robinson
This afternoon, the Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office unveiled the County’s first-ever fully Electric Patrol Vehicle (EPV).
The used 2016 Tesla Model S 75D was purchased by the Sheriff’s Office from a local business that wished to remain anonymous. Sponsors help offset the cost of the vehicle’s purchase and outfitting.
Capital Electric Inc., IBEW Local 16, Energy Systems Group, and Busler’s – Batteries Now all contributed towards the project.
While fully capable of general patrol work, the vehicle will primarily be used as a recruitment tool and for public outreach. Expect to see the Sheriff’s Office EPV at car shows, schools, fairs, parades, and other public events near you.
Sheriff Noah Robinson stated, “We wanted something that would capture the imagination of young people who might consider a career in law enforcement.” Sheriff Robinson added, “Our patrol cars spend a significant amount of time idling on the side of the road. This burns fuel and wears out the engine. An electric patrol vehicle can run its emergency lights continuously for dozens of hours without needing refueling and without decreasing the lifespan of the motor.”
The Sheriff’s Office EPV will make its next appearance at the EPD Foundation Public Safety Car Show on Saturday, April 27, from 11AM to 1PM at Wesselman Park.
The Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office is believed to be the first Sheriff’s Office in Indiana to have introduced a fully electric EPV to its fleet. The Bargersville Police Department was the first police department to do so when they began electrifying their fleet in 2019. The Porter County Sheriff’s Office has been using hybrid gas-electric patrol vehicles since 2020.
EPV Specifications:
Model: 2016 Tesla Model S 75D Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive
Total Horsepower: 518 bhp
Total Torque: 485 lb-ft
Top Speed: 140mph
0-60: 4.2 seconds
Range: 220 miles
Equipment: Motorola 800MHz Digital Radio, LED warning lights, siren with public address
Vendors: Bartley’s Paint and Body Shop, Phillip’s Signs and Graphics, On Duty Depot
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