The West Shore RCMP on Vancouver Island is adding more electric vehicles (EVs) to its fleet of patrol cars this fall. Following the successful pilot of a Tesla Model Y since last year, the detachment is now introducing a Mustang Mach-E and a Ford F-150 Lightning.
Superintendent Todd Preston, Officer in Charge of West Shore RCMP, highlighted the importance of EVs in reducing environmental impact, particularly in urban settings like Vancouver Island. “Electric vehicles may not be suitable for all RCMP detachments across Canada due to infrastructure challenges, but the West Shore community is ideal for testing these vehicles,” he said.
Frontline officers have given positive feedback on the Tesla Model Y, noting its smooth handling and impressive torque. The introduction of the Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning is expected to build on this success. Both vehicles have been modified to meet policing standards.
The environmental benefits of switching to EVs are a key focus for the RCMP. According to Cpl. Nancy Saggar, the largest contributor to the RCMP’s greenhouse gas emissions comes from transportation. “By modernizing our fleet with EVs, we are taking a major step toward reducing our environmental footprint,” she said.
The Mustang Mach-E, in particular, stands out with its grey color and black decals, a departure from the standard white vehicles, making it ideal for more covert operations.
West Shore RCMP is adding more electric vehicles to its fleet ⚡️
— West Shore RCMP (@WestshoreRCMP) October 9, 2024
Frontline Officers will be piloting the Mustang Mach-E and Ford F-150 Lightning as part of the RCMP and Natural Resources Canada’s Greening Government Fleets Program.
West Shore RCMP will also be piloting a new… pic.twitter.com/EnXKvOGdFX
As part of Canada’s Greening Government Strategy, the RCMP has committed to having 50% of its light-duty National Safety and Security Fleet made up of ZEVs by 2030. This aligns with the national goal of achieving 100% zero-emission vehicle sales by 2035. The RCMP is eager to meet these targets by integrating EVs into their fleet where feasible, and West Shore is leading the way in this transition.
