Ford’s betting the advantages of hybrids are enough to convince cops around the country to buy its new Police Responder Hybrid Sedan—the first ever “pursuit rated” hybrid. To earn its badge, this beefed up Fusion braved speed and handling trials, raced over 8-inch curbs, blasted through a railroad crossing at 30 mph, sprinted and screeched to a halt.
The Responder Hybrid Sedan runs a two-liter engine coupled to an electric motor. The car can run in electric-only mode up to 60 mph (for short periods), useful for quiet patrolling. But when the driver mashes the accelerator, the car’s computer dials in “pursuit mode,” firing up the gas engine and reconfiguring vehicle systems to deliver maximum performance.
Each hybrid car could save police $3,800 a year in fuel. Regenerative braking reduces brake wear, and because the engine isn’t always running, you don’t need to change the oil so often.
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