Denver police want more electric vehicle options
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The Denver Police Department wants to expand its electric vehicle fleet.
The big picture: The agency's wish list includes a Chevrolet Blazer PPV ($56,996) and a Chevrolet Silverado EV ($81,690). Its seeking $280,000 from the Denver Climate Protection Fund to pay for the vehicles and their upkeep, per city documents.
Why it matters: It's only two cars, but it represents a significant step toward helping DPD determine the feasibility of replacing more gas-powered cruisers with electric cars.
State of play: DPD currently has four EVs and five electric motorcycles, department fleet technician supervisor Jeffrey Navarro tells us.
- The department already got an electric Chevy Blazer PPV last month, and commander Michelle Folmar says DPD is testing whether it's a suitable emergency response vehicle, including making sure battery life can last throughout a typical shift.
- The car, built specifically as a police cruiser, was bought with money from the department's own budget and is already being used by academy recruits.
The intrigue: DPD owns a Tesla Model S60 acquired in 2017, but the department says it's used solely for promotional purposes.
By the numbers: The Climate Protection Fund raises about $40 million annually through sales tax for climate-friendly and sustainable programs and efforts.
- It's not the first time DPD has accessed the fund: Last year, it helped cover costs for about 30 e-bikes for officers, city climate action office spokesperson Emily Gedeon tells us.
Zoom in: In addition to paying for the vehicles, the money DPD is requesting would cover costs for retrofitting the cars, establishing supportive infrastructure like charging stations and training mechanics, Folmar tells us.
Zoom out: Law enforcement agencies nationwide are exploring EV use, including Cleveland police using electric motorcycles and the Barrington, Rhode Island, department putting an F-150 and Ford Mustang Mach-E in its fleet.
What's next: Final approval from Denver City Council is expected March 3, though Folmar says it could be months before the department gets the cars after the purchase is OK'd.