The Newport Police Department in Kentucky is exploring the possibility of incorporating Tesla electric vehicles into its fleet. Currently, the department is accepting sealed bids for three 2023 Tesla Model 3 rear-wheel drive vehicles, marking a potential shift in its approach to police transportation.
Police Chief Chris Fangman explained that the procurement process is underway, with plans to allocate one Tesla to a shift lieutenant. This move aims to assess the vehicle’s battery performance under various conditions, including different temperatures, lights, and during 12-hour shifts. The remaining two Teslas are intended for administrative use, replacing the department’s current Dodge Durangos, which would then be reassigned to patrol duties.
Fangman highlighted that the department has been considering electric police vehicles for about three years, primarily due to the escalating costs of the Dodge Durango. The department even evaluated the Ford Mustang Mach-E as a more cost-effective alternative. “We got the ball rolling, thinking we might be able to pull off getting some electric vehicles, even though we thought they were going to be super expensive,” Fangman said, reports Link nky.
The fleet manager discovered that Tesla adjusts its prices based on the market, making them comparable or even cheaper than the Dodge Durango. “We were looking at Teslas that are super affordable, and my fingers are crossed that we can actually get to the finish line this time,” Fangman added.
Fangman noted that he is not aware of other Northern Kentucky departments using electric vehicles as police cruisers. The idea of electric vehicles has been a topic of discussion at several Newport City Commission meetings. In one instance, a resident advocated for the transition to electric vehicles to reduce street-level pollution.
Newport City Manager Tom Fromme acknowledged the city’s efforts towards going electric, including researching and installing electric vehicle charging stations. However, he mentioned that vehicle supply remains a significant challenge.
Despite supply chain issues affecting police vehicle acquisitions, Fangman believes electric vehicles offer long-term benefits, such as substantial gas savings and operational efficiency. The Tesla Model 3, with its 57.5-kilowatt battery, costs about $5.18 to fully recharge and offers approximately 272 miles per charge. In contrast, the department’s 2020 Dodge Durango models average 16 miles per gallon, with the 2023 models slightly more efficient at 21 miles per gallon.
Fangman emphasized the potential long-term savings from reduced gas consumption and lower wear and tear on brakes and the vehicle. If the department acquires the Teslas, it could be a significant step towards an all-electric fleet in the future.
