By Joanna Putman
Police1
ATLANTA — The Georgia Tech Police Department has added three all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E GT SUVs to its patrol fleet, due in part to the efforts of student group Electrify GT, according to a news release.
The electric SUVs join GTPD’s existing fleet which includes various electric alternatives, such as electric golf carts, trikes and bikes, according to the release.
“[Electrify GT] supported [the department] in that endeavor with research and cost analysis, carbon accounting for what it would look like to implement electric vehicles into the patrol car fleet,” said Rohan Datta, Electrify GT president.
Electrify GT aims to help Georgia Tech achieve its carbon reduction goals, according to the release. According to the group’s report, the Ford Mustang Mach-E GT vehicles offer about 250 miles on a full charge, sufficient for patrolling Georgia Tech’s three-mile radius.
The switch to electric vehicles is projected to save up to $4,000 in fuel costs per vehicle and cut maintenance costs in half, according to the release. Additionally, the quieter operation of electric vehicles reduces noise pollution on campus.
This initiative is part of Georgia Tech’s broader commitment to sustainability and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.