Burnaby (a suburb in Greater Vancouver), BC, residents in Canada may soon spot a quieter form of justice on local roads as the federal RCMP detachment begins testing its newest patrol vehicle, a fully electric 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV.
The high-performance SUV arrived in February and is being put to work by Burnaby Traffic Services. As part of a national pilot project, officers will provide real-world feedback on how the electric cruiser handles the rigours of daily patrol, from high-speed response to the heavy electrical demands of onboard police equipment.
“We’re pleased to support this federal pilot project as part of a larger national commitment to move towards more zero-emissions vehicles,” said Chief Superintendent Bill Parmar, Officer in Charge of the Burnaby RCMP, on Tuesday. The initiative aligns with the City of Burnaby’s own energy strategy, which aims to transition the municipal fleet toward greener technologies.
The Blazer EV isn’t the first time the Mounties have traded the gas pump for a charging station. The RCMP has been aggressively testing various electric platforms to meet federal net-zero targets:
The Tesla Model Y: In early 2023, the West Shore RCMP on Vancouver Island made headlines by unveiling Canada’s first fully marked Tesla Model Y cruiser. The Model Y has been a favourite among officers for its “peppy” acceleration and 531 km range, though its lower profile presented some challenges for taller members and gear storage.
Expanding Options: Beyond the Tesla and the new Blazer EV, the RCMP is also testing the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Ford F-150 Lightning truck.
Customization: Unlike the original Teslas, which required third-party “upfitting” to install sirens, radios, and prisoner partitions, the Chevrolet Blazer EV used in Burnaby is a “Police Pursuit Vehicle” (PPV) model, built by GM specifically for law enforcement with heavy-duty suspension and specialized electrical centres.
While the mild climate of British Columbia makes it an ideal testing ground, the RCMP has noted that a “one size fits all” approach won’t work for Canada. Data gathered from the Burnaby pilot will help determine if these vehicles are rugged enough for rural and northern detachments where charging infrastructure is scarce and winter conditions are extreme.