USVI Police Deploy First Electric Patrol Fleet
The United States Virgin Islands has deployed five fully outfitted, all-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E patrol vehicles across St. Croix, St. Thomas, and St. John. The initiative marks a major milestone in modernizing the territory's emergency fleet and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
The United States Virgin Islands has officially rolled out its first fully outfitted, all-electric patrol vehicles, marking a significant step forward in the neighboring territory's push toward renewable energy and public fleet modernization. Governor Albert Bryan Jr. announced the deployment of five specialized Ford Mustang Mach-E vehicles into the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD) fleet.
The units are strategically distributed across the sister islands, with two stationed on St. The acquisition was funded through a grant secured by the Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) via the U.S. Department of the Interior's Energizing Insular Communities Program. Vehicle procurement and customized outfitting were coordinated locally through Metro Motors, with professional public safety equipment installation handled by Dana Safety Supply.
Governor Bryan highlighted the operational and financial importance of transitioning law enforcement vehicles, noting that patrol cars are among the most heavily utilized assets in government service. He emphasized that the government, which employs more than a third of the territory's workforce, must lead the transition to cost-effective, sustainable technologies.
According to VIEO Director Kyle Fleming, the initiative demonstrates a commitment to electrifying all sectors of transportation, including mission-critical law enforcement operations. Under the Bryan-Roach Administration, the energy office has now secured funding for more than 60 electric vehicles across various public agencies, spanning passenger cars, transit vehicles, and pickup trucks.
To ensure operational readiness, Metro Motors hosted specialized familiarization workshops this week for VIPD officers and mechanics, covering Mach-E vehicle systems and maintenance protocols. A separate grant is also supporting the local automotive sector to build long-term domestic servicing and repair capabilities.
As Caribbean territories like the British Virgin Islands and the USVI face high energy costs, the expansion of local solar power alongside electric transportation provides a practical model for cutting reliance on imported fuel and enhancing regional energy resilience.
Primary source: St Thomas Source