Canadian Indigenous Police Service Makes History with EV Adoption

The Akwesasne Mohawk Police Service (AMPS) in Canada is taking the lead in adopting electric vehicles for its fleet.

The AMPS is the first Indigenous police service to acquire EVs in Canada, according to the Cornwall Standard-Freeholder. Additionally, the agency is one of the first police services in Ontario and Quebec to operate EVs.

"Reducing our emissions starts with minor changes like this one," Deputy Chief Lee-Ann O’Brien stated in a press release.

The service received its first EV — a 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E — in September. A second one is being upfitted.

One Mach-E is being used for patrol work, while the other will be used primarily for community service events. However, it will still be equipped for normal patrol when needed.

EV Adoption Catching On for Canadian Police Service

O'Brien told the Standard-Freeholder that representatives for the agency attended an EV unveiling at a Quebec police service that inspired them.

The agency purchased the two EVs with a lease-to-own model using its policing budget.

AMPS worked with 7Gen, a Canadian startup EV charger and leasing company, as well as Cyberkar, an information and emergency technology solutions provider for law enforcement fleets.

AMPS' police department has a charging station at its facility.

Putting EVs to the Test

AMPS' fleet also contains Chevy Tahoes. When vehicle upgrades were in process, the agency opted to upgrade two of its vehicles to EVs. However, the Tahoes have worked well for the agency, which covers a remote area that often has snow-covered roads that are not plowed frequently during the winter.

An agency spokesperson told Government Fleet that they are interested in seeing how the Mach-E performs in the winter.

Upfitting the Mach-E for Police Work

Equipment in AMPS' Mach-Es includes:

• Prisoner transport divider.
• Communication radio.
• Rifle rack.
• Radar.
• In-car-camera.
• Mobile workstation.
• Emergency lights and siren.