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Riverwoods board approves up to $61,000 for marked patrol SUV after hybrid/electric options found unsuitable
Summary
After exploring hybrids and electric demos, the board authorized purchase and upfitting of a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse on state contract not to exceed $61,000; Chief said hybrid police vehicles have faced cancellations and reliability concerns and are not widely used locally.
The Riverwoods Board approved authorization to purchase and outfit a marked patrol vehicle not to exceed $61,000.
Police Chief Chelsea Smith said the department evaluated electric and hybrid alternatives but found no electric vehicles that meet patrol needs. She described prior experience with hybrid Ford police models: initial deployments performed well, but production and reliability issues and canceled orders discouraged local agencies from continuing purchases. The chief said a hybrid could meet the department’s needs in principle, but current market availability and reliability concerns have kept departments returning to conventional models.
Chief Smith recommended purchasing a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse from a vendor on the Iowa state contract that includes vehicle buildout and police equipment installation. She said that vendor could outfit the vehicle more quickly than local upfit shops.
After trustee questions and a motion and second, the board approved the not‑to‑exceed $61,000 authorization for the vehicle purchase and buildout.
