Police officers in Coral Gables, Florida may soon purchase a Tesla, with Mayor Vince Lago encouraging the department to begin plans to go electric, according to a report from the Miami Herald.
Lago cited the vehicle’s lowered emissions and reduced costs on maintenance and fuel as reasons for the police department to get a Tesla, in addition to the city’s goals for sustainability.
The Tesla would be purchased for roughly $64,000, which city spokeswoman Martha Pantin noted was nearly twice as much as a standard police cruiser.
The Tesla would be introduced through a pilot program, according to Police Chief Ed Hudak at a commission meeting on Tuesday.
Hudak also noted the department would consider other options, including an electric Chevy. Lago also emphasized he would be open to other electric options.
“Listen, I don’t own a Tesla, and I don’t own Tesla stock,” Lago said. “But at the end of the day, I just want something that’s made in America. If there is a better electric car that’s made in America, find it for me.”
Coral Gables has one of Florida’s largest electric vehicle (EV) fleet, with the municipality currently owning 70 electric cars with 35 Nissan Leaf units and 23 Chevy Bolts.
The news comes as many police departments in the U.S. have sought long-term savings on fuel and maintenance costs through the purchase of Tesla or other EVs.
Florida City Adds 13 Tesla Model Y Vehicles to Police Fleet https://t.co/msTBqskN6i
— TeslaNorth.com (@RealTeslaNorth) July 16, 2022
