The Cambridge Police Department is shifting gears towards a greener future by incorporating its first all-electric pick-up truck into their fleet. This eco-friendly addition, a Ford F-150 Lightning, represents CPD's commitment to modernizing its fleet with more fuel efficient and sustainable vehicles. The new electric truck will replace an 11-year-old gas guzzler, as part of CPD's approach to phase out older, less efficient vehicles.
The F-150 Lightning has been delegated to the Traffic Enforcement Unit and will be put to use by specially trained officers responsible for crash investigations. It was disclosed by the Cambridge Police Department that this vehicle is equipped to carry all the necessary gear required for thorough crash assessments. The switch from a commercial panel van, known in the '70s as the "Accident Van," to an SUV, and now to an electric truck, mirrors the department's progress and adoption of advancing technology.
Joining a Ford Mustang Mach-E, which is primarily used by Youth Resource Officers in the Family & Social Justice Section, the electric pick-up is the second fully marked electric vehicle from CPD's lineup. The department also operates a number of unmarked electric vehicles for various administrative and investigative tasks. A major transition is anticipated later in 2025 or in early 2026 with the potential introduction of an all-electric vehicle to be used within the patrol division.
All these initiatives are part of the police department's strategy to support Cambridge's Clean Fleet Initiative and Climate Action Plan. While the first electric truck signifies just one step in a lengthy march towards sustainability, it indicates the CPD's intent to contribute meaningfully to reducing carbon emissions and to set an example in environmental responsibility within the community. The department looks forward to the introduction of it's first electric patrol vehicle, which aims to be another stride in this eco-conscious journey.
