You will be seeing some new, more climate-friendly types of vehicles operated by Eugene Police Department. Eugene Police had the opportunity to buy nine 2020 hybrid police SUV’s as part of the City’s purchasing philosophy to move to more eco-friendly equipment (electric, hybrid, diesel/gas), and also purchased some E-bikes and a four-door electric vehicle.
In 2014, Eugene City Council passed the Climate Recovery Ordinance (CRO), which included a goal for the City to be carbon neutral by 2020 and a 50 percent reduction in fossil fuel use by 2030. In 2019, greenhouse gas emissions from vehicle fuels like gasoline and diesel account for about 45 percent of the City’s total emissions. Transitioning EPD’s fleet to more fuel efficient and carbon free options like those outlined below will help the City achieve significant progress towards the CRO goals.
SUV
This was the first year the hybrid model was available for police, and EPD jumped on the opportunity, purchasing them through the State of Oregon price agreement for approximately $42,854 each. These SUVs help move EPD’s fleet toward the City’s CRO goals as well as reduced maintenance and fuel costs. According to the manufacturer, they are estimated to save about 1,200 gallons of fuel per vehicle, leading to more than a 10 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent reduction annually. After receiving the first nine, EPD ordered 13 more 2020 police SUVs for $43,022.34 each. The most recent police SUV order comes in Iconic Silver, which will be EPD’s new marked police vehicle color. In addition to the new color, EPD has a new graphics package installed on all new hybrid models.
According to Ford, its Police Interceptor Utility is the ‘first ever pursuit-rated hybrid SUV and it outperformed all police utility competitors, including V8-equipped models (that participated in official testing.)” According to the manufacturer, the hybrid power train offers significant potential reductions in fuel use with decreased engine idle times and an EPA-estimated rating of 23 city/24 combined miles per gallon. This could potentially result in saving $3,509 per vehicle per year. (Calculation based on Ford comparison with the previous-generation 3.7L V6 Police Interceptor Utility and an example fuel price of $2.75 per gallon.)
GEM – The GEM, which will be used downtown, is a four-door EV (electric vehicle), which is street-legal. It can travel up to 25 m.p.h. and offers flexibility to get around downtown, provide a visible presence, while having a smaller profile than a patrol vehicle. It is much easier to park and get around in for the many meetings with businesses. It has light bars and siren. The cost of the GEM was roughly $20,000.
E-Bikes - The EPD Downtown Team also has four E-bikes, two from Specialized and two from Trek. The bikes are power assist, meaning that the officer still needs to pedal the bicycle to engage the motor. They can travel up to 28 m.p.h. on flat ground and provide a significant power assist when climbing hills. Depending on the mode used, the range of the bikes is 50-75 miles between charges. EPD purchased these as supplemental bikes to the current Downtown Team bike fleet. They allow our officers to patrol quicker and without as much energy exertion as a normal bike. Officers can respond and cover more ground without becoming exhausted. The Specialized bikes were purchased at Hutch’s Bicycles and each cost about $4,500 after all equipment. The Trek bicycles were purchased at Bicycle Way of Life and also cost approximately $4,500 after equipment.