The city of Newport is doubling down on its move to electrify its police department, adding four more Tesla Model Y vehicles to its fleet — reports Link nky. The decision, approved at a city commission meeting on June 16, follows a successful pilot program that began in December 2023 with the introduction of three Tesla Model 3 sedans.
Newport initially expanded its Tesla fleet in late 2024 with two additional Model 3s, and more recently, the city began using a Model Y for other municipal departments. Now, the Model Y will officially join the police patrol lineup.
“It kind of seems like we’re on the cutting edge of using electric vehicles for policing, so I’m proud of that,” said Newport Commissioner Aaron Sutherland.
The city cited strong cost savings and environmental benefits as key drivers behind the move. According to data presented by Newport officials, the base price of a Tesla Model Y (2026) is 13.64% lower than that of the department’s traditional Dodge Durango (2025). Over five years, the Teslas are projected to save the city over $148,000 in energy, maintenance, and upfitting costs.
Environmental impact was also top of mind. Over five years, four Tesla vehicles are expected to produce just 19.87 metric tons of CO₂ emissions compared to 360.53 metric tons from the equivalent number of Dodge Durangos.
Vice Mayor Julie Smith-Morrow noted the shift in momentum: “We’ve proved the concept… and now going to a larger vehicle so patrol can use it—I think it’s fabulous.”
The Model Y’s larger size also allows it to be equipped with cages, a requirement for transporting detainees — something smaller EVs couldn’t accommodate. City Manager John Hayden addressed concerns about Tesla’s polarizing brand: “The job of the city… is to look at what makes the best financial decisions for the city.”
Newport Police Chief Chris Fangman said both a Model 3 and a Model Y are available for residents to check out, with the Model 3 already outfitted and in use, while the Model Y will be prepped with a cage.
The city hasn’t overlooked charging infrastructure. Newport Assistant City Manager Brian Steffen revealed that the city already has two 100 kW Superchargers and is negotiating to install a third high-capacity charger at a heavily discounted cost.
“We believe that we’re going to be one of the few in the country that have Superchargers for their fleets,” Steffen added.
With a growing fleet of Teslas, Newport is positioning itself as one of the most forward-thinking municipalities in North America when it comes to EV adoption in law enforcement.
