BMW->ke178 has officially loaned an all-electric 2015 BMW i3 to the Los Angeles Police Department. The LAPD version of the i3->ke4694 is painted with the standard black and white colors and even has a roof-mounted light bar. The LAPD will be testing the i3 for the next 12 months and has access to the entire network of i-centers for routine maintenance and repairs. The LAPD’s i3 will be used in routine patrols and will be displayed at various events throughout the city over the next year. BMW feels that its lightweight construction and agility will make the i3 perfect for navigating the streets of L.A.

Continue reading to learn more about the BMW i3.

Why it matters

To me, the i3 comes off as a bit of a novelty for the LAPD. It would make a good meter maid vehicle I’m sure, but with a 150 mile maximum range (when equipped with the range extender) and a charge time of 3.5 hours on a stage 2 charger, I don’t see it working that well for a routine patrol car. I have a feeling it will spend just as much time charging as it does patrolling the streets. It is interesting, though, and as battery technology improves, I suspect we’ll see more and more electric vehicles pop up in authority fleets.

2015 BMW i3

You can read our full review here.