New Bedford Police Department welcomes first hybrid cruisers to its fleet

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The New Bedford Police Department announced Monday that its first hybrid cruisers have hit the streets.

According to Public Information Officer Scott Carola with New Bedford police, two of the department’s front-line cruisers are now hybrid Ford Explorers.

The department said hybrid electric cars are powered by an internal-combustion engine paired with one or more electric motors, which uses electricity stored in batteries.

Batteries in hybrid engines can be charged through regenerative braking and by the engine itself, and officials say the hybrid engines will greatly reduce engine idling when stopped and improve overall fuel economy for police cruisers without compromising their performance.

Officials said hybrid cruisers can get around 23 miles-per-gallon when driving on city streets, opposed to regular models that average about 17.

The New Bedford Police Department said it hopes to outfit its entire fleet with hybrid vehicles in the near future, and possibly electric cars in years to come.

“We are proud to announce that our department has taken a significant step towards a more sustainable and fiscally responsible future. With reduced emissions, improved fuel efficiency, and enhanced versatility, these new cruisers are a step in the right direction.  These vehicles will undoubtedly help to save taxpayer money over the next few years,” New Bedford’s Chief of Police, Paul Oliveira said.