Seven police forces around the UK have requested a full evaluation of Ford’s specially-built all-electric Mach-E SUV concept vehicle, according to the carmaker
Among those waiting to evaluate the full ‘blue light’ livery test car are London’s Metropolitan Police, Sussex, Surrey, South Wales, Dyfed Powys, Devon & Cornwall and Police Scotland forces.
The initial concept is a demonstrator Mustang Mach-E standard all-wheel drive (AWD). Subject to testing of the model, Ford said it is planning to offer an extended range version of its rear-wheel drive and AWD versions.
According to Ford, the extended battery range would give police greater versatility and capability for police operations, while instant acceleration of 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 111mph should prove a useful weapon against crime.
The Mustang Mach-E also achieves the lowest energy consumption on a journey in an electric car and is capable of 379 miles between charges, offering forces an economical and sustainable addition to their fleets.
Furthermore, an issue of where the power to operate the concept car’s blue lights, sirens and other high-tech equipment would come from, has reportedly been addressed by Ford technicians.
“The vehicle range is uncompromised as the blue light equipment is being drawn from the vehicle’s 12V battery and not the drive battery,” said Terry Adams, blue light direct sales manager, Ford of Britain and Ireland. “In future developments we will look to increase this battery capacity to allow for additional equipment to be fitted.”
Conversion of the original Mach-E was carried out by Safeguard SVP, a specialist constructor based in Essex. Among the equipment fitted to the concept car are bespoke mounting pods and brackets to ensure suitable locations are found for operational use, with minimal damage to the vehicle.
All lighting is LED with very low power consumption to reduce current draw from the vehicle’s 12V power system. Meanwhile, the 999 livery is a first-off design which utilises high specification material to maximise day and night visibility requirements.
