INDUSTRY NEWS
Tesla Model 3 Police Cars Pay for Themselves Faster than Expected, Says Police Chief Bargersville, IN Police Chief Todd Bertrum, who pushed to electrify his department’s patrol cars with Tesla Model 3 vehicles (in 2019), now says that the electric vehicles might pay for themselves in less than two years (the Model 3s replaced Dodge Chargers). The Model 3 Standard Range Plus version that was purchased by the Bargersville Police Department was a little more expensive than the Dodge Charger, but they expect gas savings of approximately $6,000 per year, which means that the Model 3 will pay for itself over its lifetime. The Bargersville Police Department generally keep their vehicles for six years and after breaking down the economics, they determined that they are going to save about $20,000 (per car) with the Model 3. This includes not only gas savings but some significant maintenance savings, too. The department expected that the electric vehicles would pay for themselves in about two years. After having the vehicles for a few months, Chief Bertram now believes that the return on investment could happen as fast as 19 months.
Polaris and Zero Motorcycles Announce 10-Year Partnership Polaris has had its eye on developing a series of off-road electric vehicles spanning its many product classes. That goal looks all but certain now after a new partnership was announced between Polaris and Zero Motorcycles to co-develop electric off-road vehicles. Zero Motorcycles is a leader in electric motorcycles in the West, with a larger share of the North American electric motorcycle market than competitors such as Energica, Lightning Motorcycles, and Harley-Davidson combined. Polaris has long led the off-road vehicle industry and despite most of Polaris’ offerings being gas-powered up to this point, the company indeed offers a handful of electric models such as the GEM neighborhood electric vehicle (NEV) and the all-terrain Ranger EV. Now the two companies are combining forces in a 10-year exclusive partnership to develop a series of electric offroad vehicles and electric snowmobiles. Polaris and Zero claim the first off-road electric vehicle developed by the partnership will roll out by the end of 2021.
12 Police Fleet Manager Fall 2020
GFX Announces Upfit Program on the Dodge Durango Pursuit Ground Effects, Ltd. (GFX) announced its award by FCAMopar Division for the factory upfit program on the Dodge Durango Pursuit. This program was awarded based on the expertise GFX has in the overall marketplace and its high level of quality manufacturing. The FCA offerings of Vehicle Emergency Equipment Wire Harness & PDC (XPW), Police Center Console (CUG), Front Door Ballistic Panels (XDG, XDV), and Left & Right-Hand Spotlights (LNA, LNF) help round out the Durango Pursuit into a true police vehicle. GFX’s intimate knowledge of the vehicle and emergency systems provide unparalleled expertise on equipment integration for all three FCA police vehicles, Charger Pursuit, Durango Pursuit, and Ram 1500 SSV.
Feniex Industries Announces Natasha Masterson as New Vice President Natasha Masterson recently joined Feniex Industries, as a new Vice President, after leaving her role as Director of Marketing for Lamborghini. Natasha brings over a decade of vast experience in market and product strategy and has demonstrated herself to be a leader in the automotive industry, playing essential roles in expanding businesses at a senior level. In her new role at Feniex, she will be overseeing, managing, and executing all growth strategies. She will manage the full end-to-end system flow of the development, marketing, and sales of all new products. “We have been searching for an executive like Natasha for years and I’m confident we have found our key asset that will help expand Feniex in the global marketplace,” said Hamza Deyaf, CEO of Feniex Industries. Feniex Industries provides American-made vehicle warning devices for first responders worldwide.
NYPD Receives New Hybrid Cars The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is among the first in the country to receive brand-new hybrid models built specifically as police cars. The Ford Fusion-based Police Responder Sedan is the first true hybrid built for police purposes. Although it sounds and drives like a typical police vehicle, Ford estimates the cars will save more than 1,500 gallons of fuel per car per year. The NYPD aims to have all 10,000 of its vehicles become electric or hybrid within five years in an effort to reduce emissions and cut fuel costs. Right now, the department spends approximately $15 million a year on gas. The NYPD started testing retrofitted civilian hybrids in 2009, which improved fuel economy by two-thirds over a gas-powered cruiser.
