Ford Mustang Mach-E police car concept shows future of UK policing
Ford of Britain’s Mustang Mach-E concept. Images: Ford of Britain
Ford’s electric Mustang Mach-E has received a makeover for police duties in the UK, wearing the iconic blue and lime checker design of UK police forces. We’ve seen police forces the world over begin the shift to zero-emissions electric vehicles, due to positive environmental, operational and budgetary outcomes. From Tesla Model 3’s in Westport, Connecticut, to Hyundai Kona Electrics in Sydney, Australia, it’s only a matter of time before more and more EVs end up in the hands of first responders.
Ford UK has worked with emergency service vehicle conversion specialists Safeguard SVP, 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.
The initial concept is a demonstrator Mustang Mach-E Standard Range AWD (all-wheel drive). Subject to testing of this model, Ford is planning to offer Extended Range version of its RWD (rear-wheel drive) and AWD versions. The extended battery types would give the police even greater range, and therefore versatility and capability, for police operations.
“The vehicle range is uncompromised as the blue light equipment is being drawn from the vehicle’s 12V battery and not the drive battery,” says 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.”
The Mustang Mach-E is rated at up to 273 miles (440km) WLTP range, depending on model. The GT version is capable of hitting 62 mph (100km/h) in 3.7 seconds, with a top speed of 111 mph (178 km/h)
The Metropolitan Police Force has already appraised the standard Mustang Mach-E and has now requested a full evaluation of the marked concept. Seven forces have either tested the new vehicle or requested a full evaluation of a specially-built concept car. Also waiting for an opportunity to try the new Mustang Mach-E are the Sussex, Surrey, South Wales, Dyfed Powys, Devon & Cornwall and Police Scotland forces.
