Ask most people to name a classic cop car and they’ll probably mention the iconic Ford Crown Victoria or perhaps the 1974 Dodge Monaco turned Bluesmobile in the classic film The Blues Brothers.  

We’ve even seen more unlikely cars like the Dodge Challenger and Lamborghini Gallardo take on police duties, but while fast and flashy cars might give officers a quick getaway from the donut shop, they won’t help lower the precinct’s gas bills. 

Enter New York City Major Michael Bloomberg. As part of the city’s continuing drive towards a cleaner, greener fleet Bloomberg has announced that 50 2011 Chevrolet Volts will be added to the city’s 430 strong electric vehicle fleet. 

2011 Chevrolet Volt joins NYPD Fleet

2011 Chevrolet Volt joins NYPD Fleet

2011 Chevrolet Volt joins NYPD Fleet

2011 Chevrolet Volt joins NYPD Fleet

Some of these will end up in the hands of the NYPD, which intends to use the plug-in hybrids as traffic enforcement cars. 

With an EPA rated range of 35 miles per charge, the NYPD Volts could easily cover an entire shift without ever using their gasoline engines. 

If a pursuit situation arises, the Chevrolet Volts should be able to cope, capable of up to 350 miles powered by the on-board gasoline range extender. 

But given New York’s congested streets, we’re really doubtful that situation will ever arise. 

Of the remaining Volts due to join public service in New York, some will end up with the fire department as non emergency vehicles, while the others are probably due to be put to work in less conspicuous roles within other city departments. 

[General Motors]