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LAPD Is Not Using the Electric BMWs It Announced In 2016 (cbslocal.com)

Posted by BeauHD on from the red-light-green-light dept.

mi shares a report from CBS Los Angeles: "In a 2016 well-choreographed press conference, LAPD Chief Charlie Beck got out of an electric BMW driven by Mayor Garcetti to tout the city's ambitious project [to provide electric cars for the department]," reports CBS Los Angeles. "The cost: $10.2 million, which includes charging stations." However, the cars have seen very little use. With the monthly lease payment of a little more than $418, one vehicle ends up costing taxpayers over $15 a mile to use. Some of the use they do get is improper too, alleges CBS Los Angeles, citing footage captured from several hidden cameras. "We followed someone after leaving the downtown police garage; they went to the drive-through at Yoshinoya," reports CBS. "On another day, someone drove from downtown LA to Loyola Marymount University in West LA, picked up someone who appeared to be a student, and went to lunch." The deputy chief is looking into what CBS found and says the cars are to be used for business only.

3 of 135 comments (clear)

  1. The supposed reason... by mi · · Score: 4, Interesting

    According to TFA, the Department's employees explained their reluctance to use the environment-friendly vehicles by their low mileage:

    But sources say some personnel are reluctant to use the electric cars because they can only go 80-100 miles on a charge.

    Strange — though low in comparison with a gasoline- or (especially) diesel-powered car, the distance seems quite sufficient for a city's police car. Do they really ever need to exceed 50 miles in a day?

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  2. Re:What a shock by LynnwoodRooster · · Score: 4, Interesting

    No this is LA it is big Government. The LA budget is 8.7 billion dollars which puts it ahead of 10 States.

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  3. the much maligned obsession with BMW by nimbius · · Score: 4, Interesting

    the LAPD did this about a decade ago when they switched motorcycles from Harley Davidson to BMW. BMW insisted the sticker price was justified as it represented increased reliability and longevity. the LA Times however found in 2016 that BMW motorcycles actually required more frequent, and more expensive maintenance. But hey, if our local rich kids and celebrities can have BMW, then god damnit so can our cops.

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