ANN ARBOR — The Ann Arbor Police Department is cautiously testing the use of electric vehicles in law enforcement, currently operating one electric patrol vehicle as it evaluates whether EVs can play a broader role in police work.

Department officials describe the vehicle as a pilot, not a fleet conversion. The EV is primarily used for urban patrol, traffic enforcement, and administrative duties, allowing officers and city staff to assess real-world performance, operating costs, charging needs, and officer usability.

AAPD leaders emphasize that the single EV does not replace traditional cruisers and is not intended for every policing scenario. High-speed pursuits, long shifts, and operations without reliable access to charging infrastructure remain better suited to gasoline-powered vehicles.

Still, the department says the pilot aligns with Ann Arbor’s broader sustainability goals while offering a practical way to test whether electric patrol vehicles can reduce fuel and maintenance costs over time. Quieter operation has also proven useful in residential neighborhoods and community-policing situations.

Ann Arbor’s limited experiment reflects a measured approach shared by other Michigan police departments.

The Michigan State Police has evaluated electric vehicles for administrative and support roles rather than frontline patrol. Departments in Dearborn, Royal Oak, and other metro Detroit communities have explored or tested EVs for specific functions, often focusing on traffic enforcement, command vehicles, or short-range urban patrols.

Across Michigan, police agencies cite similar factors driving interest: rising fuel costs, long-term maintenance savings, and access to state and federal fleet-electrification incentives. At the same time, departments remain wary of range limitations, winter performance, charging availability, and pursuit capability—especially in rural or high-demand environments.

As a result, most agencies view EVs as situational tools rather than full patrol replacements.

For now, Ann Arbor’s single electric patrol vehicle serves as a test case, offering data and experience rather than a declaration of a full transition. Whether that experiment expands will depend on performance, costs, and improvements in vehicle range and charging infrastructure.

In Michigan, electric patrol vehicles remain an emerging option, not a standard, with departments watching early pilots closely before committing to broader adoption.

Michigan Police Departments Testing Electric Vehicles

While Ann Arbor operates a single electric patrol vehicle as a pilot, several other Michigan law enforcement agencies have tested or evaluated EVs in limited roles:

Michigan State Police (MSP)
MSP has evaluated electric vehicles for administrative, command, and non-emergency use, focusing on cost savings and suitability rather than frontline patrol deployment.

Dearborn Police Department
Dearborn has explored electric vehicles for traffic enforcement and city operations, aligning with the city’s broader municipal fleet electrification efforts.

Royal Oak Police Department
Royal Oak has examined EVs for urban patrol and administrative functions, particularly where shorter routes and predictable charging are feasible.

University-Affiliated Police Departments (Michigan)
Campus police agencies, including those associated with large universities, have tested EVs for campus patrol, where lower speeds, shorter distances, and centralized charging make electric vehicles more practical.

Other Metro Detroit Communities
Several suburban departments in southeast Michigan have studied or conducted small-scale trials of EVs for specialized or non-pursuit roles, often supported by state or federal grant programs.

Common Use Cases Being Tested

  • Traffic enforcement

  • Community policing

  • Administrative and command vehicles

  • Campus and downtown patrols

Key Limitations Identified

  • Cold-weather range loss

  • Charging infrastructure availability

  • High-speed pursuit capability

  • Long shift enduranceSidebar: EV vs. Gas Patrol Vehicle Costs (Typical Police Fleet Estimates)

Upfront Vehicle Cost

  • Electric Patrol Vehicle (EV): $50,000–$70,000
    (Electric SUV or pickup adapted for police use; excludes some upfitting)

  • Gasoline Patrol Vehicle (ICE): $35,000–$45,000
    (Ford Police Interceptor Utility, Dodge Durango Pursuit, etc.)

Fuel / Energy Costs

  • EV: ~$0.04–$0.06 per mile
    (Based on average municipal electricity rates)

  • ICE: ~$0.15–$0.20 per mile
    (Based on fuel prices and typical patrol idling)

Maintenance Costs (Annual)

  • EV: $1,000–$1,500
    (Fewer moving parts; no oil changes or transmission service)

  • ICE: $2,500–$3,500
    (Engine, transmission, exhaust, brakes, and idling wear)

Five-Year Total Cost of Ownership (Estimated)

  • EV: $60,000–$75,000

  • ICE: $65,000–$80,000

Other Cost Considerations

  • Charging infrastructure: $3,000–$10,000 per charger (one-time)

  • Cold-weather range loss: 20–30% in Michigan winters

  • Idle savings: EVs avoid fuel burn during stationary patrols

Bottom Line
EV patrol vehicles cost more upfront but can match or undercut gasoline vehicles over time in urban and campus settings. For high-speed response, long shifts, or rural patrols, ICE vehicles remain more cost-effective today.