The zero-emission speed trap

Ford Motor Co. has a way for police departments to patrol traffic without burning gasoline.

The 2023 F-150 Lightning Pro SSV will be the first U.S.-produced electric pickup designed for police work. Special features include built-in steel intrusion plates in the front seat backs and police-grade seats with reduced padding to facilitate officers entering and exiting the vehicle.

Nate Oscarson, Ford Pro's national government sales manager, told Automotive News that battery-electric vehicles were uniquely suited to police work because of the amount of gasoline consumed when a police officer is idle and watching traffic.

"With a hybrid and especially with a BEV, you can have the vehicle running all the equipment, the lights, cabin conditioning, without using any gasoline," Oscarson said. "You're just using the electric battery."

The truck will be offered with either a 452-hp standard-range battery that can tow 7,700 pounds or a 580-hp extended-range battery with a 10,000-pound towing capacity and sub-four-second 0-to-60-mph acceleration capability.