Following Spokane, Washington Police Department’s decision to buy two Tesla Model Y SUVs, the department has said that, while the electric vehicle (EV) is cost-efficient, it still may not be the preferred vehicle compared to gas cars after a preliminary test.
On Monday, Spokane city officials presented an analysis of the Model Ys, which compared them with two Ford SUVs, one hybrid and one gas vehicle, finding them to be cost-efficient, despite barely missing the mark compared to the hybrid SUV, according to The Spokesman Review.
A hybrid SUV edged out the Model Y, which received low comfort, reliability, storage and safety scores. The safety scores from the survey caused confusion, as Councilwoman Candace Mumm pointed out Teslas have some of the best safety ratings.
Police Chief Craig Meidl suggested the low safety score could be a result of the lack of space in the Model Y seats for a utility belt, compared to larger SUVs.
Spokane Police have been able to use the vehicles in a limited capacity, and has still been awaiting parts like push bumpers and computer mounts – though they’re planned to hit full service as soon as next week.
Pennsylvania Township Police Considers Adding Tesla to Fleet https://t.co/uPZ4Xskhas
— TeslaNorth.com (@RealTeslaNorth) October 27, 2021
During the Model Y unit’s first four years, the department expects it will cost $0.69 per mile driven, compared to $0.77 for the hybrid and $0.79 for the gas vehicle. At a rate of about 20,000 miles per year, the department expects to save a total of $7,000 USD over four years.
City Director of Fleet Services Rick Giddings also cautioned the council, emphasizing that the trial has only looked at a small set of experiences with the Model Y.
Giddings said, “This is a very small sample based on extremely limited usage and the vehicles being used not as police vehicles.” Giddings continued, saying the survey would be “much more accurate and useful in the future.”
