The City of New York has reached a new milestone in its electrification journey, surpassing 1,000 electric vehicles in law enforcement. This makes them the largest electrical law enforcement fleet in North America.
“For the first time in our history, New York City now operates more than 1,000 electric vehicles in law enforcement service,” said DCAS Commissioner Yume Kitasei. “By investing in clean, modern fleet technology, we are improving efficiency, reducing emissions, and ensuring that city agencies have the tools they need to serve New Yorkers safely and effectively.”
DSNY, Parks, and DCAS Police are set to electrify by 2030, five years ahead of the 2035 target set by Local Law 140.
Departments
These latest electric vehicle purchases mark a major step in the city’s efforts to modernize municipal operations, reduce emissions, and support safe, effective public service delivery.
To date, the City of New York operates nearly 10,500 electrified units, including 5,780 electric vehicles and 4,600 hybrid units. Additionally, 11,695 fleet units use 100% renewable diesel, including law enforcement response trucks.
Law enforcement represents the largest segment of the city’s fleet, with approximately 11,000 vehicles across 15 agencies used in enforcement roles, including the New York City Police Department, Department of Correction, NYC Sheriff, Probation, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Sanitation, Parks, Department of Investigation, Taxi and Limousine Commission, Department of Homeless Services, Human Resources Administration, Fire Department of New York, and NYC Emergency Management.
Of the 1,000 electric vehicles in city law enforcement, the NYPD utilizes nearly 500.
The Department of Corrections has also launched the city’s first electric K-9 enforcement unit.
Inventory
DCAS procured 58 Blazers in the first citywide order. Other electric models in use include the Chevy Bolt, Ford Mustang Mach-E, Ford Lightning, Chevy Silverado EV, and Ford E-Transit.
Of the 1,000+ on-road electric law enforcement vehicles currently in operation, 781 are fully battery-electric, and the remaining 231 are plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with an additional 115 electric vehicles on order.
Law enforcement agencies operate 3,454 hybrid vehicles, with 722 more on order. Agencies also have 87 off-road solar and electric units.
Once all orders are fulfilled, New York City’s law enforcement fleet will include more than 5,390 electric or hybrid electric vehicles.
“NYC is leading the state in fleet electrification with the largest electric fleet and charging network,” states Keith Kerman, NYC Chief Fleet Officer and Deputy Commissioner at DCAS. “As importantly, we are showing EVs can work in some of the most challenging applications and assignments including law enforcement and emergency response. We have more to do, but 1,000 EVs in law enforcement is an important, nation-leading threshold, and we thank our agency partners across city government.”
In November, DCAS took another big step in its electric vehicle program by installing over 400 fast electric vehicle (EV) chargers, the largest fast charging network in NY State. There are now 415 fast chargers in operation, with more planned.
