In May, two 2006 FORD Escape Hybrid SUVs joined Ogden’s patrol unit. The effective combination of gas and electric power was a good fit for the needs of Ogden City’s patrol; because much of a patrol vehicle’s time is spent at low speeds through the City streets or at idle, reducing costs and increasing efficiency has been a concern. The Crown Victoria previously in use operated at 13 miles per gallon and according to FORD Motor Company reports the Escape Hybrid has a range of 500 miles on one tank of gas and gets up to 36 miles per gallon.
Its electric motor propels the new patrol hybrid up to 25 mph on its own, but when extra power is needed - such as when accelerating or passing - it combines with the gasoline engine for maximum performance. It actually uses no fuel when stopped in traffic or while driving at low speeds. Attaining a high speed of 102 miles per hour and achieving 0 to 60 in about 10 seconds, the new hybrid patrol vehicle has 155 horsepower with V6-like acceleration. A nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) battery is stored in the floor of the cargo area and uses a regenerative braking system to recharge, so there is never a need to plug it in. Reduced emissions makes the Escape Hybrid easy on the environment. The vehicle meets strict Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV II) and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) standards.
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Ogden City demonstrates its commitment to a green community with the addition of hybrid vehicles to its police fleet.
Hybrid vehicles have already been employed as part of patrol in select cities back east, but Ogden is the first city in Utah to add hybrids to its police patrol fleet. Immediate plans for hybrids within Ogden City’s police department include: Two FORD Escape Hybrids to be used in patrol, one more FORD Escape Hybrid, unmarked, to be used by detectives, and one HONDA Civic Hybrid, unmarked, also to be used by detectives.
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