Lucid Air electric police car being evaluated
11/14/2024 04:00 PM
Police in the US are currently trialling a Lucid Air electric vehicle, with performance the least of their concerns.
California Highway Patrol is testing an electric Lucid Air sedan as a potential police car, according to an online post.
EV company Lucid posted images of its Air police cruiser on X (formerly Twitter), revealing the vehicle was currently being evaluated by California Highway Patrol – though details of exactly which model remain unknown.
The Lucid Air is available in four variants – Pure, Touring, Grand Touring, and Sapphire – with performance spanning from 321kW to 920kW, and with a driving range of approximately 680 kilometres.
While the quickest Lucid Air can hit 100km/h from zero in less than two seconds – costing US$249,000 ($AU382,000) – the $US69,900 ($AU107,000) entry-level model can still manage it in less than five seconds, and is the likely candidate for policing duties.
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Along with the iconic black and white paint job, the Lucid has been fitted with a roof light bar, a public address system, steel wheels, and a centre push bar at the front.
It’s not the first time the Lucid Air has been put into police service.
In February 2024, Saudi Arabia began running a Lucid Air as a cop car during the World Defense Show in Riyadh, while Dubai Police – known for running a fleet of exotic vehicles – introduced a Lucid Air Grand Touring into service in late 2023.
While the California Highway Patrol currently operates a fleet of Ford Explorers, Dodge Chargers, and BMW motorcycles, it has yet to put an electric vehicle into rotation.
MORE: Lucid Air electric car given police treatment in Saudi Arabia
However, police across the US have been using electric cars for several years, including the Tesla Model Y and Ford Mustang Mach-E SUV.
Locally, Victoria Police have used a Tesla Model X as a promotional Highway Patrol vehicle in recent years, while NSW Police have had both a BMW iX and Hyundai Ioniq 6 in service.
Western Australia Police have also trailled a Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Kia EV6 Highway Patrol cars are currently being used by Queensland Police.
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