Mayor Garcetti, Chief Beck unveil electric car fleet for LAPD

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (FOX 11) - Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck unveiled a fleet of electric vehicles for light duty patrol by police to be implemented this year.

The initiative is in keeping with the department's focus on the efficient use of city resources and the 'Sustainable City pLAn's goal that more than half of all new city vehicles be fully electric by next year.

190 BMW i3's are being leased to test out the effectiveness of the electric vehicles. They will not be used for pursuits, but light duty for the force such as detective work and civilians working with the department.

The LAPD aims to become the "greenest" police force in the country.

The cost? Chief Beck stated that its about 60% cheaper than nonelectric patrol vehicles. Tesla cars are also being tested by the LAPD for future patrols.

Mayor Garcetti hopes this will give a new name to the black-and-white patrol car, renaming it "black, white and green."

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