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City of Repentigny and its police department announce pilot project for Quebec’s first all-electric emergency response patrol cars

February 14, 2022  By Blue Line Staff


Feb. 12, Repentigny, Que. – As part of a move to highlight promising and innovative projects, the City of Repentigny and its police department (SPVR) have introduced Quebec’s very first all-electric police car, which will have all the features of a regular emergency response patrol car. The project, which has entailed converting a Ford Mustang Mach-E, has afforded the chance to rethink the vehicle’s components. Working with Cyberkar—a firm specializing in high-end technological solutions for emergency vehicles—the city and the SPVR have worked to improve passenger compartment ergonomics and thus better respond to the functional needs of police officers. A new graphic identity with high-contrast colours is also being considered. Inspired by the European standards, but adapted to the Repentigny context, the new look will be assessed by a committee that will include police force input, then tested before the vehicle is put into service.

A police car that runs 24/7 uses a great deal of fuel and emits a significant amount of CO2. The new all-electric vehicle will thus allow the municipality to reduce its eco-footprint. It will be tested in a real environment to assess battery performance and efficiency under different conditions of use, including situations that call for activating the flashing lights or swift acceleration.

The goal in the near future would be to put the innovative breakthroughs and gains in expertise at the disposal of other Quebec police forces interested in acquiring electric patrol cars. The project is also clearly gaining ground elsewhere: talks have begun with the New York City Department of Citywide Administrative Services concerning their order for 184 Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles, showing the growing interest in the expertise that’s been developed here.

The checkered visual pattern commonly known as “Battenburg markings” is based on several studies and is seen as a best practice for emergency response vehicles. Many countries have adopted it as their standard, especially in Europe. The City and SPVR are currently looking into a similar visual approach adapted to the North American context. While the SPVR may not necessarily use the same markings as in other countries, the new electric patrol cars will certainly have contrasting colours to ensure high visibility and a look that aims to promote closer ties with the community by fostering a more positive, less menacing image.

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The vibrant colour scheme also serves as a symbolic reminder of the police’s role: to be strongly present in and ready to help the community.

Several studies show that bright, contrasting colours maximize the visibility of stopped vehicles, both in daylight and under headlights (fluorescent, reflective colour), from a minimum distance of 500 metres. This in turn bolsters safety for patrollers and citizens alike by lowering accident and other risks.

At present, unlike for fire trucks and ambulances, Quebec does not have a visual standard for police vehicles. The new design that will be tested may lead to discussions.


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