ANN ARBOR — The Ann Arbor Police Department is cautiously testing the use of electric vehicles in law enforcement, currently operating one electric patrol vehicle as it evaluates whether EVs can play a broader role in police work.
Department officials describe the vehicle as a pilot, not a fleet conversion. The EV is primarily used for urban patrol, traffic enforcement, and administrative duties, allowing officers and city staff to assess real-world performance, operating costs, charging needs, and officer usability.
AAPD leaders emphasize that the single EV does not replace traditional cruisers and is not intended for every policing scenario. High-speed pursuits, long shifts, and operations without reliable access to charging infrastructure remain better suited to gasoline-powered vehicles…