Ford is offering law enforcement agencies a brand new plug-in hybrid, known as the Special Service Plug-In Hybrid Sedan. This marks the first time the automaker made a car that can run on only electric power that is designed especially for government authorities.

However, this car does not have pursuit capabilities yet, since it is more suitbale for police and fire chiefs, detectives as well as other government personnel whose jobs don’t require a pursuit-rated vehicle.

It has been estimated that drivers will get as far as 21 miles on the battery alone, with a top speed of 85mph. According to Ford, a level two charger will refill the battery in about 2.5 hours, but most authorities will likely be able to charge the hybrid using standard 120-volt wall outlet instead. Switching to hybrid mode and tapping gasoline will up the car’s top speed and raise the range to more than 500 miles per tank.

At first glance, it looks just like one of Ford’s standard Fusion hybrids, but with specialised law enforcement options like a driver spot lamp and dash cluster dimming options for surveillance. The hybrid can also be outfitted with emergency light packages to stop traffic on a whim that are not available in any other old Fusion.

Ford is expanding its reach into electric vehicle development, and the new hybrid is part of the plan. The automaker plans to invest US$4.5 billion over the next five years on the new tech, with 13 new models scheduled to be released by 2023.

Source: Mashable