BACKGROUND:
Over the last few months, staff have been researching and looking to purchase new patrol vehicles to replace six recently retired patrol units. Due to manufacturer delays and limited inventory, staff could not locate any in-stock units from different dealerships.
After doing research and cost comparisons with the major manufacturers (Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge), staff determined the best value for the options received in a vehicle was a Chevrolet Tahoe PPV. The Tahoe PPV has some standard features already installed that would be aftermarket equipment with other manufacturers.
The standard lifespan for a marked patrol unit is approximately seven years and/or 100,000 miles. Staff has been monitoring the current inventory of police units and believe smaller quantity orders, on a fiscal year basis, will alleviate large quantity purchases and reduce the number of patrol units needing to be replaced at one time.
DISCUSSION:
Regarding the police department moving to the Chevrolet Tahoe, several factors led to making a switch in manufacturer.
First, Ford is experiencing a delay of almost one year from the time of order until delivery to the Department. Second, the cost for a 2023 Ford PIU was $73k+. That was for the previous year model and this year model was $75K+. The cost for the Chevy Tahoe is less. The Tahoe has more cargo space than the Explorer and there are some standard features that are add-ons for the Explorer. As an example, Safe braking is a feature not available on the Ford Explorer. If you exit your vehicle quickly and put it in park, the vehicle does not grind the transmission. It will bring the vehicle to a smooth stop. Protected Idle is also a standard feature with the Tahoe to safeguard the vehicle when the officer is away from the vehicle. The Department staff reviewed the testing data from the Michigan State Police for the Ford and Chevy models and both vehicles rated very similarly. The Tahoe was rated higher in interior ergonomics and visibility.
Mechanically, they are very similar with very little difference. The vehicles are being configured with emergency equipment the same as our Ford Explorers are currently.
Staff contacted Quality Chevrolet, whom we have a working relationship with from previous purchases and secured a quote for five Chevrolet Tahoe PPV’s for $279,185.15 including estimated sales tax.
Staff is also seeking the approval of the aftermarket upfitting of emergency lighting and equipment from Dana Safety Supply for $90,426.56 including estimated sales tax.
These five vehicles will be utilized for patrol operations and replace six police units that reached the end of their usefulness.
Michael Walla and Commander Enos have been researching and monitoring EV (Electric Vehicle) police vehicles being introduced as patrol vehicles. Chevy has just released the 2024 Blazer EV for patrol use and Ford just introduced the 2023-2024 Ford F-150 Lightning EV truck for patrol use. As more studies and data are released on EV patrol vehicles, staff will review for future EV purchasing consideration.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The cost for five Chevrolet Tahoe PPV’s from Quality Chevrolet of Escondido is $279,185.15, including sales tax. The cost for upfitting with emergency lighting and equipment from Dana Safety Supply is $90,426.56, including sales tax, for a total cost of $369,611.71. The funds for this purchase will be disbursed from the Equipment Replacement Fund (611), with this purchase included in the FY 2023/2024 budget.
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Action B-19 – Develop Fleet Management policies to establish vehicle replacements and utilization standards.