Ford reveals first 'pursuit-rated' hybrid police car

Ford has revealed what it claims is the world's first 'pursuit-rated' hybrid police car, but it won't be doing duty in Australia any time soon.

That's because Ford, the biggest supplier of police vehicles in the US and a long-time supplier of Falcon vehicles to various Australian police forces, has no plan to introduce any electrified model in Australia in the short-term.

This is despite its 2014 promise to introduce its first electrified vehicle – expected to be the Mondeo hybrid on which the Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan (FPRHS) is based – in Australia "within the next few years".

It also comes despite Ford's 2015 commitment to spend $US4.5 billion to launch 13 new electrified vehicles – of which this police car is the second -- globally by 2020.

They include the F-150 Hybrid, Mustang Hybrid, Transit Custom plug-in hybrid, a self-driving hybrid and a fully electric small SUV.

“Electrifying our next generation of vehicles is core to our unwavering commitment to sustainability,” said Joe Hinrichs, Ford president, The Americas.

“By being a leader in electrified vehicles, we remain committed to delivering cars, trucks and SUVs that are better not only for our customers, but for the environment and society as well.”

Revealed in Los Angeles and New York on the weekend, Ford says the Mondeo-based Police Responder Hybrid Sedan will help cities reduce emissions and fuel consumption while driving idling.

It says its patented hybrid technology is projected to provide EPA-estimated combined mileage of 38 miles per gallon (6.2L/100km), which is more than double that of Ford's existing 3.7-litre V6-powered, Taurus-based Police Interceptor, which replaced the Crown Victoria in 2013.

Ford claims each front-wheel drive FPRHS, which is powered by a 105kW/175Nm Atkinson-cycle 2.0-litre petrol engine matched with a 35kW electric motor and 1.4kWh lithium-ion battery that can power the car solely at speeds of up to 60mph (97km/h), could save up to $US3900 a year in fuel costs.

That's assuming it is driven 20,000 miles (32,200km) per year, runs two shifts per day, 365 days per year, idles 4.9 hours per eight-hour shift, and is fueled at an average gas price of 2.50/gallon.

As well, as the first hybrid sedan with full pursuit capabilities, it has been certified by police agencies to handle police pursuits for longer periods at different speeds and over obstacles such as curbs and flooded intersections.

“Our mission to create safe and healthy communities in Los Angeles is achieved through sustainable approaches in community policing, and that includes embracing new technologies,” said Charlie Beck, Los Angeles Police Department Chief.

“Patrol vehicles are a police officer’s office, and we expect them to not only be economically and environmentally efficient, but also an effective tool for fighting crime in major metropolitan areas.”