By CESAR JOLITO III

The Bacolod City government has strengthened its law enforcement capabilities with the acquisition of 10 electric vehicles (EVs) for the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), aiming to improve response time while reducing operational costs.

Mayor Greg Gasataya said the city allocated P14 million for the new fleet as part of efforts to enhance police visibility, efficiency and sustainability.

The initiative also aligns with the city’s push to lower fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

The EVs were officially tested at the Bacolod City Government Center on Thursday, April 23, with Gasataya and members of the city council inspecting their performance.

Each unit delivers 201 horsepower and can travel up to 490 kilometers on a single charge.

Powered by a 63.2 kilowatt-hour battery, the vehicles can be fully charged within five to seven hours — enough to sustain a full day of patrol operations.

City officials said the EVs are equipped with modern safety and operational features, including 360-degree cameras, sensors, keyless entry, airbags, and both AC and DC charging capability, ensuring reliability for field deployment.

Gasataya emphasized that beyond environmental gains, the shift to electric vehicles is expected to significantly reduce fuel and maintenance expenses while decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

Once fully deployed, the EV fleet is expected to enhance the operational readiness of BCPO, enabling faster and more responsive action to incidents across the city.

The initiative builds on the city’s continuing support for law enforcement.

Earlier, BCPO received additional resources, including SWAT vans, ammunition for training, upgraded equipment such as computers and an LED wall, and increased monthly personnel allowances./CJ, WDJ