Onalaska Police Department goes green with electric squad cars

Onalaska, Wisconsin, USAThu Oct 30 2025
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The Onalaska Police Department has made a big move towards sustainability by adding two new electric vehicles to their fleet. This decision came after a deal was struck with General Motors. The switch to electric vehicles is expected to bring several benefits, including improved efficiency and cost savings. The police chief, Charles Ashbeck, explained that electric vehicles require less maintenance than traditional gas-powered cars. This means the new electric squad cars will spend less time in the shop and more time patrolling the streets. While all vehicles have their issues over time, the electric models are designed to handle the tough conditions police cars often face. One of the biggest advantages of these electric vehicles is their cost-effectiveness. The warranty covers any major repairs for the entire duration the department owns the cars. This reduces the financial risk for the department and the city. As battery technology continues to improve, the cost of these vehicles is expected to decrease even further. Initially, there were some mixed reactions within the department about the new electric vehicles. However, many officers have now come around to the idea. Officer Tyler Blair, for example, has noticed several benefits. He makes fewer trips to the gas station and appreciates the power and performance of the electric vehicles. Blair mentioned that the electric cars are great for quickly and safely catching up to vehicles on highways and interstates. The warranty for these vehicles is quite extensive, covering them for up to 8 years or 100, 000 miles. The department plans to add two more electric vehicles to their fleet in the near future, continuing their shift towards more sustainable and efficient policing.