Honolulu police going hybrid for six-month test
Steve McGarrett, your new hybrid awaits. Well not exactly, but the Honolulu police department has started a 6-month pilot program testing a half dozen Toyota Camry hybrids. The department is evaluating the gas-electric sedans to determine their suitability as patrol cars on the island of Oahu. According to Major Frank Fujii of the Honolulu police, the traditional Ford Crown Victorias get about 10-15 mph while the Camrys are expected to get about 33 mpg. Because the smaller Toyotas don't have the usual protective cages around the back seat, they will be used primarily for patrol and traffic enforcement. At a price of $28,000, the Camry is about $1,500 more than a Crown Vic but that should be made up in fuel savings. At the end of the 6-month pilot program, the department will determine whether to proceed with more hybrids or abandon the project. [Source: KHON]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
brn 3:22PM (9/19/2008)
"10-15 mph while the Camrys are expected to get about 33 mpg"
The Camry won't get 33 if driven the same way the Fords are driven.
"Toyotas don't have the usual protective cages around the back seat,"
That significantly reduces their functionality. I bet they won't be used for pitt manurers either.
"price of $28,000, the Camry is about $1,500 more than a Crown Vic"
Not when purchased in bulk, the way cites/states buy them. The Vic can be had for closer to $20K.
I'm not intending to bash the Camry (this time), but I don't think it's correct to pretend to make an apples-to-apples comparison. One vehicle is not a direct replacement for the other. For the purpose they're intending to use the Camry hybrid, they could substitute a Chevy Cobalt.
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Jimbo 4:23PM (9/19/2008)
I always thought a hybrid or electric vehicle would be perfect for the police. Those cars spend a lot of time idling, whether observing traffic or hitting the local cafe for a break. They have to leave the vehicles on so they can take off instantly. Just think how much fuel that wastes....
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Nate 7:22PM (9/19/2008)
Well...most of the cop cars I see on the roads are the privately owned/subsidized ones anyways. Plenty of mustangs, camaros, and other v8s...cars without suitable back seats. Not to mention the giant SUVs.
...and if you see a car idling on the side of the road, more often than not the officer is just surfing the web with the AC going...
-n
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ziv 9:17PM (9/19/2008)
Police spend a huge portion of their time typing up their reports in their cars, with the engine running to power their computer and the AC, so they have little time to simply 'surf the net'. But that is why a Police Special Ford Escape or Crown Vic would be so hugely successful. Imagine how many mayors and city council men would be happy to buy new cars that would cut their fuel cost 40% or more? And reduce their carbon footprint? Pursuit is less of an issue today, it happens much less often. What is important now is cargo capacity, have you ever seen how much equipment a police cruiser carries? It is incredible.
JDred 8:32PM (9/19/2008)
How about V-6 Chargers instead? It's a much better suited for severe duty than a Toy. Nto to mention having a crash and the potential for fire from leaking fuel is bad enough, having a large battery that could be damaged makes it worse.
Nate, there's a reason why we have to keep squads running constantly during a patrol shift. Namely the two to three radios, Computer, maybe a printer, Radar and squad video system. Even though some of them are in a hold or hibernation mode, they will suck a battery dry if the engine is off for more than an hour.
You complain about us having the A/C on? How about you putting on a garbage bag and sitting out in you car during the summer for a while? That's what it's like having a Uniform and body armor on! So please, be better informed before you make a comment like that!
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Chris M 11:16PM (9/20/2008)
"there's a reason why we have to keep squads running constantly during a patrol shift. Namely the two to three radios, Computer, maybe a printer, Radar and squad video system. "
That's a prime argument in FAVOR of hybrids, as they have a much bigger battery system and more generator capacity. They can sit with the engine off and run everything off the batteries, the engine generator will come on only as needed. Same goes for A/C.
nate 9:31PM (9/19/2008)
Um..."Judge Dredd?"...nice...
I mentioned the fact that while idling the officers are typically still using the electrical systems, perhaps maxed out....so I am unsure in what way a hybrid would be more beneficial?
...now seeing cops surfing myspace and other websites while on duty is something else...
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JDred 7:47AM (9/20/2008)
Nate,
Yeah, I liked the Comic when I was a kid. But I never planned on being a Police Officer, I had a degree in Marine Engineering and served in the Coast Guard which got me into Law Enforcement.
But thanks for understanding about the reason for keeping a squad idling constantly. However, A majority of us DO NOT surf the net on squad computers for personal reasons. Simply because(even if we could) any web site that I or any Officer would go to becomes public record. Most MDC(Mobile Data Computer) systems are simply remote terminals to the Dept. system. Which limits access to DOT inquiries and In-house records.
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