Police departments across the U.S. are asking their city to approve Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) to cut down on emissions and maintenance costs, and one California P.D. has just followed in their footsteps, with hopes to start an EV pilot program of their own.
Menlo Park, California’s City Council voted 3-2 on October 26 to approve the purchase of three new Tesla Model Y units to begin testing as part of an EV pilot program, according to The Almanac.
The Teslas are set to cost between $108,000 USD and $116,000 USD with public safety patrol outfitting, and expected to take four months to complete.
Fremont Police Officially Deploys Tesla Model Y Patrol Car, Public Appearance Coming Oct. 1 https://t.co/TxPizcHvrF
— TeslaNorth.com (@RealTeslaNorth) September 23, 2021
Council members opposing the move included Jen Wolosin and Cecilia Taylor, though the rest of the council voted yes on the measure. Mayor Drew Combs says that the city’s move to change is leading the region’s move to EV adoption, rather than forcing the public to do so first on its own.
Menlo Park wants to transition to a fully-electric police fleet by 2023.
“Transitioning to all-electric police patrol vehicles by 2023 is ambitious and aggressive for a small city, but the Police department is prepared for the rapid transition by piloting three Tesla Y patrol vehicles and developing an internal team to lead the transition over the next two years,” says the staff report.
“For Menlo Park’s pilot program, city staff recommends purchasing three Tesla Model Y due to the size, range and purchase price. The approximate cost of a completed Model Y would be approximately $115,000 (Attachment A), which includes the purchase price and police modifications. For reference, a Tesla Model S has a range up to 405 miles, but the purchase price starts from $89,990 (not including police modifications)”, reads the staff report.
A chart in the staff report also compares the Model Y versus other competitors:
Combs said, “The council has expressed desire that we be a leader in issues related to reducing carbon footprint,” he said. “I like the idea of the city taking the onus on itself versus issuing mandates for the public.”
In addition to the Tesla vehicles, the department plans to buy six Ford Mustang Mach-E units to help replace gas-powered vehicles, along with spending a total of $1.6 million USD in public works purchases for other departments needing a switch to EVs.
As it stands, an entry Model Y Long Range is showing estimated delivery dates of October 2022, while upgraded Induction Wheels will lower the wait to June 2022.
