The Los Angeles Police Department has committed to an order of 100 BMW i3 city cars that it will use for non-emergency functions, including routine patrolling, transporting officers and community-outreach initiatives. The police department last year took on an i3 and a Tesla Model S for testing and after just a few months, says alternate vehicle Web site Green Car Reports, the BMW won over the officers’ affections. BMW will also develop software that interfaces with the department’s fleet management system, allowing officials to monitor vehicle data and track the entire electric car fleet in near real time. Officials say the i3’s compact size and tight turning radius make maneuvering on crowded city streets easier.
Los Angeles City Mayor Eric Garcetti and Los Angeles Police Department Chief Charlie Beck announce a year long test of a BMW i3 electric vehicle at a City of Los Angeles press conference in Los Angeles, Sept. 11, 2015. Photo by Danny Moloshok/Newscast
The Los Angeles Police Department picked the BMW i3 electric car over the Tesla Model S. Officials liked the i3’s compact size for tight city streets. (PHOTO: BMW)