Community relations officers with the Darlington City Police Department are driving around a public safety demo electric car.

They're testing it out as a way to save the city money. It costs about $616 a month to operate a standard police cruiser and just $9 a month to run the electric car.

The department is using the vehicle to patrol neighborhoods, parking lots and at community-related events, like parades. Officers will not use the car to transport prisoners.

The car runs about 22 miles per hour and costs about $16,000. Police say a standard, fully-equipped patrol car can cost up to $36,000.

Batteries for the car need to be replaced every 18 months.

Darlington City Council will ultimately decide if the car will be purchased.

Police say if they get the car, they will stripe it black and white like the regular police cars.