The police vehicle of the future is changing, with more electric models entering the spotlight. This was evident when a modified version of the Lucid Air was put through its paces during the California Highway Patrol’s Model Year Police Vehicle Evaluation at the beginning of November.

Testing the Police Vehicles of Tomorrow

Lucid Motors' electric sedan was among a group of vehicles being tested by CHP EVOC instructors. Both gas powered and electric vehicles were put through the paces on I5 in Yolo County, CHP's high speed track, and pursuit course, as well as high altitude testing in Truckee, according to a CHP Facebook post. 

How the Lucid Air Fits In

Could the Lucid Air meet the demanding needs of a police fleet? With its 512-mile EPA-estimated range, it offers the kind of endurance required for extended patrols, while its rapid acceleration of 0 to 60 MPH in 1.89 seconds and 1,234 hp max power make it a contender for pursuit scenarios. 

However, adopting electric vehicles for law enforcement also raises questions about durability, charging infrastructure, and cost over time. As departments like the CHP explore these options, the Lucid Air's performance during testing may provide valuable insight into how EVs could serve in a law enforcement role.