The LAPD's 100-Strong BMW i3 Fleet Has Hardly Been Touched

A CBS report has found that some cars from the force's $10 million fleet have averaged as little six miles a week, while others have been used for personal errands
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In 2016 the LAPD made a big statement about its intentions to go green, by adding 100 BMW i3s to its fleet. Around 18 months on, well, that statement’s looking a little hollow.

A CBS report by David Goldstein revealed that many of the cars - intended for use in non-emergency capacities - have hardly been touched in that time. A surprising number have only clocked three-figure mileages since joining the fleet, and even the more leggy examples have covered just a few thousand miles.

One car has averaged just six miles a week, meaning - once you factor in the lease - the car has cost taxpayers $15.67 a mile. The total cost for this seemingly unloved fleet? A cool $10.2 million. Ouch.

The LAPD's 100-Strong BMW i3 Fleet Has Hardly Been Touched

The potential embarrassment for the LAPD deepens with the revelation that when the i3s have actually been driven, it’s often been for employees to run personal errands. Goldstein followed one commander in an i3 who took the car to a manicure appointment, while the driver of another i3 was spotted picking up someone from the Los Angeles University and heading out for a spot of lunch. Doesn’t sound like police business, does it?

Responding to the investigation, LAPD Deputy Chiet Jorge Villegas said that the cars are supposed to be “only for business not personal use” and that the force will “look into” any potential misuse. Despite the findings, Villegas still considers the project a “success.”

Comments

Puppy The Cat (lazy squad)

I think policeman are just too embarassed to drive this , not because they are electric , but because they look awful

01/24/2018 - 14:35 |
124 | 2

And they’re slow too. What car can you catch with an i3 in a chase? Not even a Prius!

01/24/2018 - 19:06 |
19 | 0
Seth 3

I wonder why they are so unloved?

01/24/2018 - 14:37 |
0 | 0
Klush

Oh yeah, that a big sucess that. Have they wasted millions of dollars? Nooooooooooo, what are you talking about?

01/24/2018 - 14:39 |
23 | 2
Anonymous

In reply to by Klush

Given the depreciation rate of these things, the amount of money they waste gets smaller every day!

01/24/2018 - 15:19 |
17 | 0
Ahmad Fahrurrozi

What they want is sport hybrid sedan (maybe)

01/24/2018 - 14:42 |
1 | 0

Probably the best call. Room in the back, speed and good range for patrol. For city? Hybrid hatchback. Hybrid offer a lot of adventage that imo suit a lot a job where driving a lot and having enough speed is mandatory

01/25/2018 - 16:27 |
1 | 0
Anonymous

I don’t blame them, who in their right mind would want to be seen driving one?

01/24/2018 - 14:52 |
52 | 0
charlie wilkinson

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Ye embracing

01/24/2018 - 15:21 |
5 | 2
Sam Wilson 1

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

James May

01/24/2018 - 17:40 |
14 | 0
Anonymous

They are quite suitable to chase bicycles.

01/24/2018 - 14:56 |
16 | 0
The Quirky Richard

Because cops prefer going on a bicycle instead of those ugly things😂

01/24/2018 - 15:00 |
11 | 0
Anonymous

Can’t blame them.

01/24/2018 - 15:12 |
7 | 0
( ° ʖ °) dead

welp just sell them to me i want an i3

01/24/2018 - 15:15 |
1 | 9
Joel Brennan

There are so few situations where a car like this might come in handy so I’m not sure who justified buying them… maybe he or she’s been fired.

01/24/2018 - 16:05 |
3 | 0

So few situations is absolutely true. Not worth having 300 of them sitting around.

01/24/2018 - 22:30 |
0 | 0

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