Ford has revealed the first “pursuit-rated” hybrid police car in the United States, with combined fuel economy said to be twice that of its non-hybrid alternative.

Ford Police Responder Hybrid Sedan

The Police Responder Hybrid Sedan is based on the Fusion Hybrid, which is similar to the Mondeo Hybrid sold in Europe, combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine and 118bhp electric motor, the latter supplied with electricity from a lithium-ion battery and capable of driving at up to 60mph without using any liquid fuel.

Pursuit certification doesn’t only assess its ability to handle long chases. Adaptations include front-end deflectors, police-issue wheels and uprated suspension, which means it can withstand impacts with eight-inch kerbs, cross railway lines at 30mph and ford up to 18 inches of water at flooded intersections.

Compared to Ford’s current Police Interceptor cars, which use a 3.7-litre V6 petrol engine, the hybrid offers more than twice the fuel economy (38mpg/45.6mpg Imperial, instead of 18mpg/21.6mpg Imperial) and the lithium-ion battery can also power all the additional on-board systems for longer periods, reducing the need to have the engine idling while stationary.

As a result, Ford claims a $3,900 (£3,140) saving per vehicle, per year, based on 20,000 miles, two-shift-per-day, 365 days per year. Customers will be able to order cars from the Spring, with deliveries next summer, Ford said.

Ford’s first hybrid pursuit vehicle is part of an ongoing electrification strategy, which confirmed a hybrid Mustang and F-150 pickup truck, and electric SUV.