According to Forbes, Police vehicles and ambulances may transition to gas-electric hybrid powertrains. Already 11 hybrid ambulances are in service in Toronto.
Below are some details about EV electric vehicles in Canadian emergency services.
The city of Repentigny's police department is determined to be an early adopter of electric vehicles. The pilot project intends to convert the Ford Mustang Mach-E into an electric police car. The car will be designed to have the features found in a regular emergency response patrol car. Cyberkar will undertake this project.
A patrol car that runs round the clock is expected to burn a lot of fuel. Therefore, it will emit a significant amount of greenhouse gases like CO2. The new all-electric car will go a long way to cutting emissions. The car will also undergo tests in a real environment and under various conditions of use. This is to evaluate its battery performance and efficiency.
In addition, the innovative breakthroughs and expertise gained will be adopted by the rest of the Quebec police forces. The project is already gaining ground and will attract interest within the police force and the outside world. There is no doubt more and more officers will be interested in acquiring these electric patrol cars.
Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, has not been left behind by their counterparts in Repentigny, Quebec. The Tesla Model 3 has been approved as the forces’ electric vehicle of choice for trials. The electric vehicle is available for purchase, and they intend to put it into service by summer. After piloting, more electric vehicles are expected to be added to the forces’ fleet. So, the transition to electric vehicles in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, is inevitable.
Tesla is anticipated to accommodate necessary police equipment. The electric vehicle is already in use by forces in Ottawa and Toronto. The reports from these forces on the efficiency of Tesla are encouraging.
Furthermore, Tesla Model 3 is expected to last much longer than its corresponding gas-powered car. The maintenance cost of Tesla is also much lower. Thus, it will help save financial resources besides cutting the emissions of greenhouse gases.
Ford Mustang Mach-E is the most appropriate model in line with the many features required in a police car. The body and technology in the Mach-E have been retained. But still, many of the Ford Mustang Mach-E components have been modified to make them more customized. Several accessories have also been added.
The Cyberkar firm that designed the electric Mach-E is specialized in high-end technology for emergency vehicles. Yet, designing policing electric cars posed a huge challenge. You have to do research and come up with a development plan from scratch. You have to redesign the interior ergonomics with workplace comfort and safety in mind. So, the focus is on the improved security and working environment for officers. Also, feedback from officers who spend much of their time in cars has been considered.
Tesla Model 3 is another electric vehicle that can be used as a patrol car in Canada. Indeed the first fully equipped tesla model 3 car has arrived in Canada. However, it is being tested to see if local forces can use it. Some of the changes made include front lighting, sirens, and a customized center console.
Regarded as one of the best EV electric vehicles in the market, Tesla Model 3 faces stiff competition from Ford Mustang Mach-E. The driver appeal of the Mach-E could help it to edge the Tesla.
Design-wise, Tesla is a large executive saloon car while the Mach-E is a sporty SUV. The electric Mustang has an impeccable presence on the road. Thanks to its long, wide, and muscular body that emphasizes the sporty nature. On the other hand, Tesla has a futuristic look. It has a minimalistic design with some defining features on its grille, such as inlets. Nevertheless, Tesla has a panoramic roof, something the Mach lacks.
The interior space of both cars is equipped with a monstrous infotainment system on the dashboard. The one in Tesla is just more user-friendly. However, you get a driver information display conveniently positioned behind the steering wheel in the Mach dashboard setup. Tesla's display is on a central screen which we found somehow distracting while on the move.
The Mach-E is much more spacious, with more headroom at the back than Tesla. It is also longer, so taller people can sit in the back more comfortably than the Tesla car. Tesla makes up for these shortfalls when it comes to the front. The Tesla has ample front space with more cabin storage bins on the door. Thus, storing your small items and drinks is better than in Mach-E.
Performance-wise, Tesla beats its competitor Mach-E due to its huge 271bhp electric motor. This makes the Mach-E feel slower. Both have similar entry-level specifications with a range of about 215miles.
Quebec seeks to position itself as the leader in electric medic-ambulance production. Demers ambulances and Lion electric disclosed their all-electric ambulance. The ambulance model has been under design for five years to meet the needs of paramedics. We considered the security of paramedics and patients' comfort in the design of our model.
Besides undertaking the final assembly, Demers medic-ambulances will take charge of the medical compartment. Lion Electric, on their part, will build the electric vehicle's chassis and batteries. The electric vehicle will be capable of traveling 200 kilometers on a single charge.\
Demers eFX is the first custom purpose-made medic-ambulance in the world. The main features of the Demers eFX include:
Capable of covering a range of 200 km on a single charge.
It is an 8,845kg class 5 vehicle.
Has a 340 HP motor powered by a 130 to 195 kWh battery.
Equipped with an adaptive smart suspension.
Low floor design.
3.2" drop suspension kneeling ability.
Concluding Remarks
All-electric or hybrid electric vehicles have many advantages. Among the many reasons the world needs to go electric is to create a cleaner planet. Paramedics also deserve a safer experience, and patients merit smoother transport. Ultimately, electric vehicles will be a game-changer in the transportation industry.