Michigan State Police takes a significant step toward sustainability by adding a Ford Mustang Mach-E, its first battery electric vehicle, to the patrol fleet.
MSP Launches Sustainability Test with Electric Vehicle
The Michigan State Police (MSP) introduced its first battery electric vehicle (BEV) into active service on January 13, 2025. The State Security Operations Section will use the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E to patrol state-owned and leased properties in Lansing. This marks a milestone in MSP’s exploration of sustainable transportation within its fleet.
“This is an exciting opportunity for us to research, in real-time, how a battery electric vehicle performs on patrol,” said Col. James F. Grady II, MSP director.
State property security officers and armed personnel responsible for general law enforcement and security at government facilities will operate the Mach-E. The vehicle’s use in this role is strategic, as patrols cover fewer miles within city limits, where the availability of charging infrastructure supports testing its capabilities.
A First Step in Electric Fleet Innovation
The MSP’s Precision Driving Unit, known for its annual Police Vehicle Evaluation, has been assessing alternative-fuel vehicles since 2022. However, until now, hybrids were the only non-gasoline vehicles in the fleet.
“This move allows us to study the vehicle’s performance long-term,” said Lt. Nicholas Darlington, commander of the Precision Driving Unit. “We’re particularly interested in the potential for cost savings and whether BEVs can meet broader operational demands.”
The Mustang Mach-E comes equipped with a police-package design tailored for security patrols, and its urban usage offers an ideal scenario to test BEV technology.
Practical Implications for Law Enforcement
The pilot program aligns with broader trends in law enforcement and government agencies shifting toward sustainable technologies. The MSP will evaluate key performance factors, including reliability, maintenance costs, and operational efficiency.
The availability of charging infrastructure in downtown Lansing is critical to this trial. If successful, the study could pave the way for a wider adoption of BEVs in the MSP fleet.
National Context: A Model for Other States
The MSP’s efforts mirror a growing national interest in reducing carbon footprints and integrating modern technology into public service fleets. The department’s annual vehicle testing data, widely used by fleet managers across the country, could influence other states considering similar transitions.
Testing the Ford Mustang Mach-E
As the pilot progresses, MSP plans to compare the Mach-E’s performance to that of traditional gas-powered vehicles and hybrids. This initiative also underscores Michigan’s role as a leader in automotive innovation. The 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E is an advanced all-electric vehicle designed for performance and efficiency. Below is a summary of its specifications and features:
Powertrain and Performance
- Drive System: All-wheel drive (eAWD)
- Horsepower: 346 HP
- Torque: 428 ft./lbs.
- Transmission: Single-speed direct drive
- Top Speed: Limited to 112 mph
- Turning Radius: 38.1 ft.
- Axle Ratio: 9.05
Battery and Range
- Battery Capacity: 91kWh usable capacity (Extended Range High-Voltage Battery)
- EPA-Estimated Range: 270 miles
- Efficiency:
- City: 96 MPGe
- Highway: 84 MPGe
- Combined: 90 MPGe
Dimensions and Capacity
- Wheelbase: 117 inches
- Length: 185 inches
- Height: 64 inches
- Curb Weight: 4,838 lbs.
- Ground Clearance: 5.8 inches
- Trunk Volume: 29.7 cu. ft.
- Interior Volume:
- Front: 54.0 cu. ft.
- Rear: 47.0 cu. ft.
- Combined: 101.1 cu. ft.
- Maximum Payload Capacity: 978 lbs.
Brakes and Tires
- Brake System: Power brakes with 4-piston monoblock front, 2-piston rear, and 4-circuit ABS
- Tires: 225/55R19 with speed rating 103H
Key Features
- Safety and Driver Assistance:
- Ford Co-Pilot360 2.0
- Automatic high-beam headlamps
- BLIS® (Blind Spot Information System) with Cross-Traffic Alert
- Lane-Keeping System
- Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Post-Collision Braking
- Rear View Camera
- Reverse Brake Assist and Reverse Sensing System
- Interior and Design:
- Sport-style front seats with ActiveX™ seating material
- Front trunk (4.7 cu. ft. volume)
This specification sheet positions the 2024 Ford Mustang Mach-E as a performance-oriented, eco-friendly choice with a blend of modern safety features and practical design tailored for various users, including law enforcement applications.
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