Police Department in Peel Region Enhances Electric Vehicle Lineup with Chevrolet Blazer Electric SUV
In a significant step towards a greener future, Peel Regional Police in Ontario have integrated electric vehicles (EVs) into their patrol fleet. The police force has started using electric vehicles for patrol duties as part of their operational fleet [2].
Leading this transition is the 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, Peel Regional Police's first fully electric patrol vehicle [1]. Mark Figueiredo, Director of Materials Management at Peel Regional Police, stated that the Blazer EV has the capability to meet all the demands of a traditional internal combustion patrol car, while significantly reducing their carbon footprint [3]. Officers typically drive around 100 kilometres per shift, and the Blazer EV should easily meet operational needs [4].
The Blazer EV offers cost-saving benefits through lower fuel and maintenance expenses [5]. Peel Police began testing EVs in 2021 with a Tesla Model Y loaner [6]. Currently, Peel Regional Police operate 192 hybrid vehicles, 133 of which are assigned to patrol duties, and five EVs, including the new Blazer [7].
The deployment of the Blazer EV is part of a broader pilot project aimed at evaluating performance in real-world policing scenarios, including extended use and seasonal conditions like Canadian winters [8]. The pilot project aligns with the Region of Peel's climate goals, which aim for a 45% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2010 levels by 2030 [9].
Peel Police have been cautious in their approach to the transition, with the current stage involving a gradual integration rather than a complete transition to full electric vehicles at present [2][3]. This gradual approach is also mirrored in the RCMP's testing of EVs, with the RCMP having tested EVs, specifically the Tesla Model Y in British Columbia and Ontario, but none of the EVs had been used as full-time patrol vehicles until now [10]. Sgt. Shaun Vickery of the RCMP's national traffic programs unit stated that EVs can perform well in urban settings but are less viable for rural detachments due to large patrol areas [11].
Looking ahead, a new police facility under construction in Brampton, known as 23 Division, will be equipped with EV charging infrastructure for a potential full fleet transition if the pilot proves successful [12]. This facility, scheduled for completion in 2027 [13], will provide a solid foundation for Peel Regional Police's ongoing efforts to incorporate EVs into their fleet and transition towards a more sustainable model of policing.
References: 1. Peel Regional Police Launch First Fully Electric Patrol Vehicle 2. Peel Regional Police Integrate Electric Vehicles into Patrol Fleet 3. Peel Regional Police Director of Materials Management on Electric Vehicles 4. Peel Regional Police Electric Vehicle Range 5. Peel Regional Police Cost-Saving Benefits of Electric Vehicles 6. Peel Regional Police Tesla Model Y Loaner 7. Peel Regional Police Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Usage 8. Peel Regional Police Blazer EV Pilot Project 9. Region of Peel Climate Goals 10. RCMP Tesla Model Y Testing 11. RCMP Sgt. Shaun Vickery on Electric Vehicles for Rural Detachments 12. 23 Division EV Charging Infrastructure 13. Completion Date for 23 Division
The 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV, Peel Regional Police's first fully electric patrol vehicle, is leading the police force's transition towards a greener lifestyle, integrating technology in their cars and electric-vehicles for patrol duties. In alignment with the Region of Peel's climate goals, the deployment of the Blazer EV is part of a broader pilot project that evaluates performance under extended use and seasonal conditions, aiming for a potential full fleet transition in the future, including the installation of EV charging infrastructure at the new 23 Division facility.
