First, the Tesla Model 3 convinced several police departments in the United States to start the transition to electric vehicles, and it appears that there is no turning back for them. The law enforcement agencies are upping their game with plans to upgrade their fleet with the Model Y crossover.
The electrified patrol vehicles will certainly cost big upfront but over the long term, the police departments are looking at the lasting impact. The Model Y translates to the use of clean energy and for the police forces in Fremont and Spokane, both in California, the EV will lead to long-term benefits.
The two police departments have opted to go electric after concluding that when maintenance cost and fuel expenditures through the years of EV ownership, the conventional vehicle is the more expensive option. The Fremont Police, for instance, started experimenting with the Model S as a patrol car and was impressed with the result, according to Electrek.
The agency will now add the Model Y to its fleet and make additional purchases of hybrid vehicles. The end goal, it seems, is to go electric and abandon eventually patrol cars that are powered by gasoline. An extra gain that came with the move is the reduction of carbon footprint.
The switch to Tesla's EVs was likely influenced by the experience of other police forces in the U.S., and one example is that of the Bargersville Police. The department acquired the Model 3 to carry out police works and after more than a year of use, the savings amounted to more than $6,000.
So it will come as no surprise if similar agencies will follow suit. However, the gradual switch to all-electric patrol cars is not exactly without concerns and the reservation aired by some officials in Spokane is valid.
The city council did argue that the acquisition of Model Y could prove not the best of a move, at least in the short-term. According to Teslarati, officials in Spokane are worrying that aside from the high cost of the Tesla EV, the electric patrol cars could be limited by infrastructure issues.
The main concern about the use of Model Y is the inadequate EV charging stations in the area, which could mean that the Model Y would not be sufficiently juiced up and could be rendered unusable in times of emergencies. The alternative offered by the opposing officials is for the patrol fleet to consist of all-electric and hybrid vehicles.
Another solution being floated is the installation of EV charging stations within the vicinity of the Police Department. That way, the Model Y can be charged up while parked and waiting to be used for police functions.
