6 days ago
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Police in the US are currently trialling a Lucid Air electric vehicle, with performance the least of their concerns.
Electric Cars
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.
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.
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.
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.
Electric Cars Guide
Ben Zachariah is an experienced writer and motoring journalist from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally more than 15 years ago and was previously an interstate truck driver. He completed his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert on classic car investment.
