Austin, Minnesota PD Begins Shift to Hybrids

The Austin, Minnesota Police Department hopes to cut its footprint and save money as it begins to shift its fleet to hybrids. The first vehicle they have purchased is a 2020 Ford Police Interceptor Hybrid, according to a report from the Austin Daily Herald.

The vehicle gives the department the opportunity to save $8,000 to $9,000 over the life of the vehicle, according to Chad Norman, the department's fleet manager. The hybrid cost $39,470, which is $3,500 more than previous vehicles purchased; however, Norman says the department will make it up in fuel savings and the trade-in value will be higher.

When the move to the new cars is completed, all patrol cars in the 19-vehicle fleet will be replaced.