Carlsbad has added its first all-electric vehicle to the Police Homeless Outreach Team, marking another step in the city's transition to a greener municipal fleet.
The Ford Lightning pickup truck will be used by the team's seven members — six officers and one sergeant — who work throughout the week addressing homelessness concerns and their effects on the community. This marks the second electric Ford Lightning assigned to police duties in Carlsbad, joining one already in use by the department's Ranger Team.
The new vehicle is part of a broader municipal fleet that now includes 177 electric or hybrid automobiles. The Lightning represents the 11th such electric truck deployed across various city departments.
City officials said the electric vehicle deployment aligns with objectives outlined in Carlsbad's updated Climate Action Plan and supports environmental sustainability priorities established in the City Council's five-year strategic planning document.
Residents who wish to report concerns related to homelessness can contact the outreach team through the Carlsbad Connects mobile application or by calling 442-339-2249.