Protect and charge: CHP tests Lucid aerial police car

Lucid believes the Air would make a great police car because of its range, space and performance

The California Highway Patrol’s motto is “Safety, Service and Security,” but you may want to factor charging into that, as the law enforcement agency recently tested an improved version of the Lucid Air. It’s called the “Sober Pursuit,” and it’s a stylish police cruiser.

While the automaker didn’t have much to say, they released photos of the Air equipped with emergency lights and a push-on bumper. They are held together by steel wheels and classic two-tone paintwork. We can also see badge-like graphics featuring a bear representing the state of California, as well as lightning bolts indicating that the model is electric.

More: The world’s fastest armored car is a $475,000 Lucid Air

Lucid wouldn’t reveal specifics but said the Air’s “unparalleled combination” of range, performance and space would make it ideal for law enforcement missions. You’ll notice that price isn’t mentioned, and for good reason, as the Air Pure starts at $69,900. That’s not even taking into account all the inevitable and expensive modifications required to outfit a civilian-spec model for police work.

Even so, that’s far more than the old Dodge Charger Pursuit, but Lucid’s electric car has 430 hp (321 kW / 436 PS) and an estimated range of 420 miles (676 km). The $78,900 Air Touring ups the ante with 620 hp (462 kW / 629 PS) and accelerates from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds. Despite the performance increase, range has dropped by only 14 miles (23 kilometers).

For departments with larger budgets and/or a complete disregard for taxpayer funds, Air Grand Touring and Sapphire are the options. The former starts at $110,900, has 819 hp (611 kW/830 hp) and has a range of 512 miles (824 km). The Sapphire, on the other hand, is a $249,000 supercar with 1,234 horsepower (920 kW / 1,251 PS) and a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 1.89 seconds.