PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Washington drivers caught speeding may soon get pulled over in an environmentally-friendly way. ​

KOIN 6 News has learned Washington State Patrol is buying hybrid patrol vehicles for the first time.​ It’s a modest start. ​The agency will purchase three 2020 Ford Interceptor hybrid SUVs. ​

“This is a pilot project to assess the elements of performance, safety, and savings,” Washington State Patrol spokesman Chris Loftis wrote in an email. “No plans to buy more at this time.”​

Loftis said WSP will submit the order in the next few weeks. He added the agency should receive the vehicles the last week of December or in January.​

Loftis explained it will take several months before the agency can install all of the special police equipment like lights, sirens and radio/communication gear.​ He said the SUVs will likely be on road patrol in April. ​

Each Hybrid costs about $45,850. ​

WSP is hoping to reduce its carbon footprint and is looking for potential fuel savings due to reduced idling time.​

Six WSP troopers filed lawsuits against the agency and Ford in August, saying they suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from the Ford Explorers they were assigned. ​