Image via r/roketman117
In response to a significant shortfall in patrol vehicles, compounded by national supply chain issues, aging fleets, and delayed delivery of new cars, the Anaheim Police Department (APD) has embarked on a pilot program testing the Tesla Model Y as a potential patrol vehicle.
The APD’s vehicle shortage prompted the department to seek creative solutions for quickly augmenting its fleet. A partnership with Tesla has facilitated the acquisition of six Model Y vehicles from its existing inventory. Not only that, Tesla said it could get partner vendor UP.FIT from Unplugged Performance to uplift these SUVs for duty.
The choice of the Tesla Model Y was driven by its cutting-edge features suitable for police work, including rapid acceleration, ample storage, cost-effectiveness, and minimal maintenance needs. The vehicle’s advanced technology and safety attributes, coupled with the widespread availability of Tesla’s supercharging network across the city, are expected to enhance the APD’s operational efficiency and community engagement efforts.
You can see the two images we’ve shared courtesy of Reddit user r/roketman117.
Throughout the duration of the pilot program, APD officers will evaluate the Model Y’s performance, reliability, and overall cost-efficiency in a variety of law enforcement scenarios. The findings from this evaluation will inform future decisions regarding the potential wider integration of electric vehicles into the department’s operational fleet.
“Due to our patrol vehicle shortage, we had to seek out alternative vehicle options, which led us to explore utilizing Teslas as police vehicles,” said Chief Rick Armendariz in a statement. “We are enhancing public safety for Anaheim by getting patrol vehicles into service faster.”
The APD has extended an invitation to media representatives for a preview of the Tesla patrol vehicles. The event is scheduled for Monday, April 15, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and will take place in the Grand Plaza at the Anaheim Convention Center, located at 800 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92802.
