The LAPD's 100-Strong BMW i3 Fleet Has Hardly Been Touched
In 2016 the LAPD made a big statement about its intentions to go green, by adding 100 BMW i3s to its fleet. Around 18 months on, well, that statement’s looking a little hollow.
A CBS report by David Goldstein revealed that many of the cars - intended for use in non-emergency capacities - have hardly been touched in that time. A surprising number have only clocked three-figure mileages since joining the fleet, and even the more leggy examples have covered just a few thousand miles.
One car has averaged just six miles a week, meaning - once you factor in the lease - the car has cost taxpayers $15.67 a mile. The total cost for this seemingly unloved fleet? A cool $10.2 million. Ouch.
The potential embarrassment for the LAPD deepens with the revelation that when the i3s have actually been driven, it’s often been for employees to run personal errands. Goldstein followed one commander in an i3 who took the car to a manicure appointment, while the driver of another i3 was spotted picking up someone from the Los Angeles University and heading out for a spot of lunch. Doesn’t sound like police business, does it?
Responding to the investigation, LAPD Deputy Chiet Jorge Villegas said that the cars are supposed to be “only for business not personal use” and that the force will “look into” any potential misuse. Despite the findings, Villegas still considers the project a “success.”
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
That’s how you put taxpayer’s money to good use, wasting it on “going green”
The RWD variant of the 5.7 V8 Dodge Charger Pursuit is literally half the price of an i3
They’d be better off buying proper police cars, which can be used for non-emergency use, or emergency use if necessary. Besides, the BMW i3 costs $44,450 in the USA, while the Dodge Charger Pursuit starts at $21,750. The Dodge Charger Police Car price list is listed below if you don’t believe me.
http://www.nwmc-cog.org/SPC-Documents/SPC_2018_Charger_Pursuit_Order_Form.aspx
I’d drive an electric car if it looked normal, 90% of electric cars look like something a slow kid drew
They should put them up for adoption.. And ill take one o.o
They’ve decided to go green at the wrong moment…
Could have got a Tesla at least
Stealth electric pursuit vehicles
Stealth electric pursuit vehicles
Really… If you’d be a policeman in LA and you’d have a fleet of Chargers, Taurus, Explorers and other great cars available, would you take an i3? I definitely wouldn’t. It looks so terrible, especially in LAPD livery
They can’t catch anyone in a chase while driving them 😂
Did they even trial run one before placing such a big order?
Imagine the police chiefs speech to the boys before they got them i3 cars,
‘’ lads in a week’s time you’ll all be stepping out of the old crown vic and into a BMW!’’
The cops be like ‘yaaay awesome’’
Then they see the i3…. ‘’ can I keep then crown vic? ‘’
You mean they bought electric cars to satisfy some PC agenda?
That never happens.
This is like using smart cars for it