Weaverville – The Weaverville Police Department consistently evaluates the current and future needs of both the police department and the town. When it comes to the patrol fleet, they take various factors into account, including usage, budget considerations, operational efficiency, and alignment with the town’s goals. Several years ago, a decision was made to transition the patrol fleet exclusively to hybrid vehicles due to their exceptional fuel efficiency.
The investments made to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the transition to hybrid vehicles have proven successful, resulting in a significant reduction in gas consumption, minimized idling times, fewer maintenance issues, and decreased energy waste.
Building on the accomplishments achieved with hybrid vehicles, and with the support of town leadership, the Weaverville Police Department has become the first municipality in Western North Carolina to introduce electric vehicles into the patrol fleet. This initiative was the result of over a year of dedicated work and creative collaboration with partners Sound Off Signal and Global Public Safety to turn their shared vision into a tangible reality. Furthermore, the town received grant funding to enhance its electric vehicle infrastructure.
Despite the challenges encountered during this transition, their hope is to eventually achieve a complete phase-out of reliance on fossil fuels, representing a significant step forward in their ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and environmental responsibility while serving and protecting the community.
Weaverville's newest police cruiser continues the department's move away from fossil fuels. Photo courtesy of Weaverville Police Department.