Electronic vehicles save money, resources and most of all adopt the practices of a greener environment. This is what LA Mayor Eric Garcetti said in a statement about implementing a sustainability plan in LA.
After evaluating several EVs from Tesla and BMW as part of a test to figure out which of these these quiet and reliable electric vehicles to add to the fleet of Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), BMW outbid Tesla in supplying 100 examples of their i3 city car.
Mayor Garcetti said, "We should be thinking green in everything we do -- and these new EVs show how local government can lead."
Executive VP for Operations Peter Witt of BWE North America told Business Insider, "The LAPD tested a number of vehicles that would suit their needs and chose the i3."
Witt then added, "It's a testament to the ability of the BMW i3."
BMW said that the newly acquired i3s will be deployed as transportation fleet for the department or serve as community-outreach vehicles and not for high pursuits. This was also the one of the reasons why the i3s was chosen over Model S from Tesla.
CNET Road Show News reports that the major decision in purchasing BMW's i3 city car is that it is efficient. Its reliable ConnectedDrive services are a must for LAPD's fleet management. Adding BMW's service network associated with charging infrastructure will benefit LAPD's limited resources.
A 22kWh lithium-ion battery provides power to the electric motor that the BMW i3 uses. This compact hatchback is notable for its 80 to 100 miles of all-electric range, BMW claims.
To ensure the batteries are always ready for LAPD tasks, the department has made an agreement with Greenlots to provide 100 Level 2 Chargers and 4 DC fast chargers. To make things much more efficient, a web toll will also be developed by BMW to assist LAPD in tracking the i3 fleets in real time.
