The South Pasadena Police Department has become the first in the United States to completely replace its gasoline-powered vehicles with electric ones.
With the assistance of Enterprise Fleet Management, the department acquired 10 Tesla Model Ys for patrol and 10 Tesla Model 3s for detective and administrative use. The Teslas were up-fitted for patrol and administrative police use through Unplugged Performance’s UP.FIT division.
The new fleet will rely on electric vehicle chargers installed at South Pasadena City Hall. A solar-powered system with battery storage will back up City Hall, the Police Station, and the Fire Station, enhancing power resilience during outages. There are 34 EV chargers at South Pasadena City Hall.
“This transition reflects the city’s vision of a sustainable future based on both sound fiscal management and environmental stewardship,” said Mayor Evelyn Zneimer, in a statement on Monday.
Michael Cacciotti, South Pasadena Councilmember and Vice Chair of the South Coast Air Quality Management District, emphasized the environmental benefits. “We have been working on this for over a decade. Partnering is the way to get big ideas done,” he stated.
The city’s net expense is $1.85 million for its EV fleet, which covers the cost of the chargers and lease payments to Enterprise Fleet Management.
The Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee contributed nearly $500,000 in funding for the project. “The MSRC is proud to have partnered with the City of South Pasadena,” said Larry McCallon, Chair of the MSRC.
Police Chief Brian Solinsky highlighted the operational benefits, noting significant reductions in fuel and maintenance costs. “This initiative ensures the safest vehicles for officers and staff,” he said.
Pretty cool to see an all-EV police fleet, and also consisting of 20 Tesla vehicles. Nicely done, South Pasadena.