GM Leads Police and Fire EV Market with GM Envolve

Electric vehicles for the first responder market are growing fast in America. Recently, the GM Envolve team showcased the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Tahoe, and Silverado Police Pursuit Vehicles at a California Highway Patrol (CHP) testing event in Sacramento, California. GM’s strong EVs are quickly gaining market share in the US every quarter, soon to be number one. Its first responder EVs are leading the US electric vehicle first responder market.

Cody Collins, Regional Director, GM Envolve – Western U.S., spoke with EVinfo.net about the GM Envolve team’s participation in the CHP testing event in Sacramento.

Collins said: “This weekend, the GM Envolve team had an incredible opportunity to showcase the Chevrolet Blazer EV, Tahoe, Silverado (Police Pursuit Vehicles) at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) testing event in Sacramento. Watching the game-changing, all-electric Blazer EV PPV in action was inspiring — it represents not just a commitment to innovation, but a bold step towards a more sustainable future for law enforcement.”

Collins continued, saying: “The Blazer EV PPV is designed with purpose, meeting the unique needs of our public safety partners while delivering the power, range, and reliability they can count on. To see it shine in real-world testing reaffirms that we’re leading the charge in EV solutions that support critical missions. Grateful to everyone involved, especially Bobby Quick, Ken Kennedy and the entire support team, who made this possible alongside our dedicated engineering team. A big thank you as well to California Highway Patrol and all those in public service who push boundaries every day.”

The Powerful, Capable All-Electric Chevrolet Blazer EV PPV

The all-electric Chevrolet Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicle (PPV) combines police-specific engineering with the high-performance benefits of an electric vehicle, making it an ideal choice for modern police fleets. Purpose-built for law enforcement, the Blazer EV PPV is equipped with features tailored to the unique demands of police work. Powered by the Ultium Drive System with a two-motor, all-wheel-drive setup, this vehicle offers impressive performance and handling, ensuring it’s ready for high-stakes situations on the road.

In addition to its powerful drivetrain, the Blazer EV PPV is built for durability and ease of use. The Ultium EV batteries come with an 8-year, 100,000-mile warranty, offering reliability and peace of mind for long-term fleet use. Police-specific features include high-performance Brembo® front brakes, front seats specially designed to accommodate officers’ duty belts and gear, and the ability to support police-level electrical loads, which are critical for operating various police equipment.

Charging capabilities are also optimized to minimize downtime. The Blazer EV PPV supports multiple charging levels, including 19.2 kW from Level 2 chargers, ensuring faster recharges during routine stops. With 190 kW DC Fast Charging, it can gain up to 71 miles of range in just 10 minutes, allowing officers to quickly get back on the road.

With these capabilities, the Blazer EV PPV not only enhances police service with cutting-edge technology and functionality but also contributes to a more sustainable future for communities.

POLICE magazine gave the Chevy Blazer EV Patrol Vehicle a comprehensive test drive, and rave review in August 2024. The review said: “The Blazer EV PPV powertrain produces 498 HP and 571 lb./ft. of torque, and the manufacturer lists the limited top speed at 130 MPH, which the MSP test drivers reached in 19.46 seconds.” TFL EV gave another rave review in the video below.

Three Police Chiefs say “Teslas Are Not Equipped to Handle the Demands of Modern Policing”

Tesla’s strong position in the EV market, bolstered by its expansive Supercharger network, has made it a popular option for fleets looking to transition to electric vehicles. With Tesla’s primary manufacturing facility located in California’s Bay Area, one would expect that government agencies and other fleet operators in the state would have convenient access to a reliable in-state supply of vehicles. However, this isn’t necessarily the case for all heavy-use government fleets. Despite their commitment to electrification, some are finding that Tesla’s approach and offerings don’t fully align with their unique needs.

For these government groups, challenges arise due to Tesla’s limited customization options and the lack of fleet-specific support that many high-mileage or heavy-use vehicles require. Unlike other automakers that tailor specific models or features for commercial and government fleets, Tesla’s standard production model may lack certain features these fleets rely on. Additionally, fleet managers often face hurdles when seeking priority access to vehicles or specialized servicing options. Consequently, while Tesla vehicles offer cutting-edge technology and infrastructure, the company’s standard consumer-focused approach can sometimes create friction for government entities whose operational demands differ from typical commercial and consumer needs. This has led some to consider other EV manufacturers or to advocate for greater flexibility from Tesla to better serve fleet-oriented needs.

SFGATE spoke with three police chiefs located in Northern California cities who independently agreed that Teslas are not equipped to handle the demands of modern policing.

On August 7, 2024, Ukiah Police Department Chief Cedric Crook made a significant move toward electrification by proposing the purchase of two Tesla Model 3 sedans for the department, which he presented to the City Council for approval. The total cost, including the vehicles and $35,000 in necessary modifications to make them suitable for patrol use, came to nearly $150,000. The council agreed to the purchase, supporting the department’s shift toward EVs.

However, after initial testing, the department encountered several challenges with the Model 3s. The vehicle’s smaller size posed difficulties in securely transporting suspects, and officers found it cumbersome to enter and exit the cars quickly — a crucial aspect of police work. Due to these limitations, Chief Crook reassigned the Model 3s to his administrative staff, ensuring the vehicles would still support department operations but in roles more suited to their design. This adjustment reflects the practical considerations that police departments face when transitioning to EVs, balancing the benefits of electric vehicles with the specific requirements of law enforcement work.

“I’m not ready to put an officer in a Tesla,” Crook said.

GM Envolve, General Motors’ Customer Experience Program, Supports Businesses and Fleet Operators

GM Envolve, General Motors’ customer experience program, is crafted to support businesses and fleet operators by providing a comprehensive suite of products, services, and fleet programs. This program is designed to streamline fleet operations, minimize environmental impact, and enhance driver safety.

Through GM Envolve, companies can access a range of vehicles suited for both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric vehicle (EV) needs, including models like the Silverado EV, Blazer EV, and the 2024 BrightDrop Zevo 600. To enhance fleet performance and management, GM Envolve offers various services, such as OnStar for connectivity and safety, GM Energy for efficient energy use, GM Financial for financing solutions, and data analytics for valuable fleet insights.

The program also provides specialized fleet programs, offering businesses benefits like special pricing, tailored financing options, and telematics with additional accessories for enhanced fleet management. Administrative ease is another focus, with consolidated billing, online access to statements and invoices, and unlimited management reports to simplify the handling of fleet-related finances and documentation.

Overall, GM Envolve aims to make fleet management more efficient while supporting sustainability efforts and promoting driver safety through its well-rounded approach to business-focused mobility solutions.