OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - The Washington State Patrol will buy three 2020 Ford Interceptor hybrid SUVs - the first purchase of hybrid vehicles for the agency.

KOIN reports the purchase of the hybrids is a pilot project to see how well the vehicles perform and evaluate any possible savings. Washington State Patrol spokesman Chris Loftis told the station there are 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.

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