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It sounds weird when police officers claim that they need EVs. Wouldn’t having to stop and charge a vehicle ruin a pursuit? Not if they’re chasing an electric vehicle that easily outpaces internal combustion cars. 

Police officers need EVs to keep up with thieves 

The police cars that I’m used to seeing include internal combustion engine options and even one hybrid, including the Ford Mustang, Chevy Tahoe, Ford Explorer Hybrid, Dodge Durango, and Dodge Charger. 

But some officers are complaining that these gas-powered cars can’t keep up. As officers chase Tesla and electric Hyundai models, they’re getting smoked. V6 engines are simply too slow. 

For example, the Tesla Model Y can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, but the 2024 Ford Mustang gets there in about 4.9 seconds. This leaves the Tesla Model Y with time to escape. 

A police officer in Georgia with a gas-powered Mustang failed to keep up with a Tesla Model Y that was cruising through town at 70 mph. The culprit was only caught after causing an accident with another vehicle. 

The Ford Mustang Mach-E Police inceptor driving in the city
Ford Mustang Mach-E Police inceptor | Ford

But when another officer was chasing a stolen Mustang in a Tesla Model Y, he had no trouble keeping up at all. 

Along with enough speed to catch the baddies out there, electric police fleets will save some money! That’s a massive plus in today’s economy. 

According to a squad in New Hampshire, taxpayers save $5,000 a year with every EV that replaces an ICE vehicle. A station in Georgia Tech is saving $4,000 in fuel costs after adding three Mustang Mach-E G/T models to the fleet. 

While police officers admit that EVs burn through their charge faster than an ICE vehicle runs out of gas. However, running out of gas is also a massive issue. 

The key here is to diversify police fleets with a mix of electric and gas-powered vehicles to adapt. EVs can keep up with faster criminals, providing a better chance of success.

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Staff Writer

Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.