Bacolod boosts police patrols with EVs

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The city government has strengthened its peace and order campaign through modernization by acquiring 10 new electric vehicles worth PHP 14 million while promoting environmentally responsible governance.

Mayor Greg Gasataya, together with key city officials, personally tested the new units at the Bacolod City Government Center on Thursday.

Each unit delivers 201 horsepower and has a maximum driving range of up to 490 kilometers.

Powered by a 63.2-kilowatt-hour battery, each vehicle can be fully charged within five to seven hours, enough to sustain an entire day of patrol operations.

Designed with both safety and functionality in mind, each unit is equipped with 360-degree cameras and sensors, keyless entry, front and side curtain airbags, and AC/DC charging capability, ensuring reliability and protection for personnel in the field.

The vehicles, which will be deployed to the Bacolod City Police Office, are expected to enhance police visibility, improve response times, boost operational efficiency, and substantially reduce fuel consumption.

“We look ahead to further strengthening the city’s peace and order campaign while continuing to support those who risk their lives to serve and protect, not only the community, but also the environment,” Gasataya said.

The Bacolod City Council has expressed strong support for the initiative through a resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, recognizing it as a strategic move toward cleaner, energy-efficient public service.

Beyond environmental benefits, the adoption of these vehicles is projected to significantly reduce fuel and maintenance costs, lower carbon emissions, and lessen dependence on fossil fuels, while strengthening the city’s capacity to deliver timely and effective public safety services.

Once fully deployed, the vehicles will reinforce the operational capabilities of the police force, enabling faster and more responsive action to community needs.