Summary
- Police departments in Connecticut are piloting electric vehicles for their workday needs
- There are some myths about EVs that continue to be reinforced in media articles
- The Norwalk Police Department is testing two EVs in a pilot program
- EVs are becoming more practical due to their competitive prices and efficient batteries
- Other police departments in Connecticut, like Westport, have also added EVs to their patrol car fleets
Article
Upon learning that several police departments in Connecticut are piloting electric vehicles (EVs) for their workday needs, the media spread the word about Norwalk, CT, testing zero emission police cruisers. However, the article that shared this news also reinforced myths about EVs. The Norwalk Police Department has designated school resource officers to test two EVs over the next few months in a pilot program.
The writer of the article poses questions that create suspicion about the practicality of EVs for police work, suggesting they may not be suitable for the rigors of the job. Officer Raul Aldarondo’s experience with the EV raises concerns, as he initially struggled to start the vehicle, implying that EVs are complicated to operate. The article hints at issues such as EVs burning out quickly, indicating potential failures in electrification soon after purchase.
Norwalk Police Chief Jim Walsh, however, remains optimistic about the pilot program and mentions assessing it for possible expansion to different areas of the police department. The article also discusses concerns about mileage range and costs related to EVs, raising questions that have been resolved in recent years. Barry Kresch, president of EVClubCT, highlights the advancements in EV technology, emphasizing the longevity of batteries and the monetary savings they offer.
The article concludes with a high school senior expressing concerns about EVs being a “gamble” and “new,” implying that they are less reliable than gas-powered cars. However, EVs have been around for several years and have proven to be reliable and efficient. The article’s lack of clarity and accuracy points to a writer potentially lacking editorial support and raises concerns about its impact on consumer perceptions of EVs.
In contrast, another CT police department, Westport, has successfully integrated EVs into their patrol car fleets. The Westport PD’s testing of EVs went well, leading to the addition of about 10 EVs with more on order. They utilize different EVs for various purposes, including a utility vehicle with a winch for beach use and an e-motorcycle for traffic patrol. These successful implementations highlight the potential for wider adoption of EVs in law enforcement agencies.
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