PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Washington drivers caught speeding may soon get pulled over in an environmentally-friendly way.
KOIN 6 News has learned Washington State Patrol is buying hybrid patrol vehicles for the first time. It’s a modest start. The agency will purchase three 2020 Ford Interceptor hybrid SUVs.
“This is a pilot project to assess the elements of performance, safety, and savings,” Washington State Patrol spokesman Chris Loftis wrote in an email. “No plans to buy more at this time.”
Loftis said WSP will submit the order in the next few weeks. He added the agency should receive the vehicles the last week of December or in January.
Loftis explained it will take several months before the agency can install all of the special police equipment like lights, sirens and radio/communication gear. He said the SUVs will likely be on road patrol in April.
Each Hybrid costs about $45,850.
WSP is hoping to reduce its carbon footprint and is looking for potential fuel savings due to reduced idling time.
Six WSP troopers filed lawsuits against the agency and Ford in August, saying they suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the Ford Explorers they were assigned.
