Ferguson Twp. Police Introduce First Electric Patrol Cruiser in Centre Region
The township's new EV marks a first for electric patrol use in Centre County, Pa.
Source: Ferguson Township ↗
One Chevrolet Blazer EV police package is now on patrol in Ferguson Township, Pa., the first fully electric cruiser deployed by any Centre County law enforcement agency.
The vehicle carries an EPA-estimated range of 280 miles per charge. Ferguson Township Police Department said the cruiser comfortably covers a typical patrol shift of 60 to 95 miles on a single charge.
The Blazer EV is spec’d to the law enforcement package, not the civilian trim: heavy-duty suspension, high-performance Brembo front brakes and front seats designed to fit an officer’s duty belt and gear.
“A key feature for municipal law enforcement is the vehicle’s ‘protected idle’ mode,” the department said in a release. “This allows officers to leave the vehicle locked and powered on while stepping away, keeping essential emergency electronics, radios and computers running without wasting fuel or risking an electronic system reboot.”
On the maintenance side, the department said eliminating oil changes, spark plug replacements and transmission service “will save tax dollars over the vehicle’s lifespan.”
The department tied the purchase to Ferguson Township’s local climate action goals, saying the cruiser will reduce dependence on fossil fuels “without compromising vehicle performance or public safety capabilities.”
The department did not disclose the purchase price of the vehicle.
