South Pasadena Police Adopting Fleet of Customized Tesla Patrol Vehicles
The South Pasadena Police Department is replacing all of its patrol cars with modified Tesla Model 3 and Model Y vehicles tuned by Unplugged Performance.
Overview of Tesla Police Vehicle Program
- South Pasadena PD contracting Unplugged Performance
- Plans to acquire 10 Model 3s and 10 Model Ys
- Will modify Teslas for various police duties
- Aims to completely transition away from gas vehicles
- Highlights benefits of EVs for police use
The program will create customized Teslas tailored for traffic enforcement, K9, transport, and other needs. It represents a major investment in electrification.
Unplugged Performance Building Custom Police EVs
Unplugged Performance is an expert Tesla modifier known for its:
- High-performance Tesla tuning parts
- Experience converting Teslas for racing
- Police-specific EV customization capabilities
Key police vehicle modifications include:
- Emergency lights/sirens - For pursuit and traffic stops
- Push bars - Protective frontal bull bars
- Upgraded suspension - For handling and durability
- Interior cages - Prisoner transport enclosures
- Ballistic armor - Doors and panels for protection
Specialized features will suit Model 3s and Model Ys for diverse police duties.
Benefits of Transitioning to EV Police Cars
Sergeant Tony Abdalla highlighted key benefits of switching to Tesla patrol vehicles:
- Reliability - EVs have far fewer parts to break
- Low maintenance - Much lower than gas vehicle upkeep
- Performance - Instant torque for pursuit response
- Driver aids - Tesla's Autopilot and safety features
In addition to sustainability, EVs offer practical perks valuable for police operations.
Comparison of Gasoline vs Electric Police Vehicles
| Metric | Gasoline Vehicle | Electric Vehicle |
|---|---|---|
| Fueling Time | 5 minutes | 1-2 hours |
| Refueling Access | Wide availability | Limited charging stations |
| Range | 300-500 miles | 200-300 miles |
| Maintenance | Frequent oil changes, repairs | Minimal maintenance needs |
| Torque Delivery | Power lag from engine | Instant, continuous torque |
| Autonomous Tech | Limited availability | Tesla Autopilot standard |
Cost Saving Opportunities with Tesla Police Cars
Transitioning to Tesla patrol vehicles offers potential cost reductions:
- Fuel - Electricity cheaper than gasoline
- Maintenance - Fewer mechanical repairs
- Idle time - EVs use less energy when parked
- Resale value - Teslas maintain value well
Exact savings will depend on factors like vehicle cost, charging infrastructure, length of service, and resell value at retirement.
Possible Concerns to Consider with Tesla Police Cars
While promising, Tesla police vehicles have some considerations:
- Charge times - Longer than gas fill-ups
- Range limitations - Could affect certain pursuits and shifts
- Charging infrastructure - Public networks still limited
- Battery degradation - Impacts of heavy use over time
Departments must weigh advantages against potential drawbacks for their specific needs.
Timeline for Tesla Police Vehicle Launch
Unplugged Performance plans to deliver the 20 custom Model 3s and Model Ys on the following timeline:
- Fall 2022 - Vehicle design, engineering, and initial modifications
- Winter 2022 - Ongoing vehicle preparation
- Late 2022 - Delivery of full 20 vehicle fleet to South Pasadena PD
This demonstrates a rapid 6-month turnaround from program announcement to vehicle deployment.
Potential for Wider Adoption of Tesla Police Cars
If successful, the South Pasadena program could spur broader Tesla police vehicle adoption:
- Proven concept - Demonstrates effectiveness in typical law enforcement duties
- Model for other departments - Provides blueprint for transition process
- Increased production - Unplugged Performance ramping up build capacity
- Mainstreaming EVs - High visibility of Tesla patrol cars spreads awareness
Widespread Tesla police vehicle adoption could take 5-10 years but this program could accelerate progress.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tesla Police Cars
What models are Unplugged Performance converting?
The company is modifying 10 Tesla Model 3 sedans and 10 Model Y SUVs for South Pasadena PD.
How much does a Tesla police car cost?
Pricing is unannounced but likely $50,000-$70,000 including modifications, more than regular police vehicles.
How fast can a Tesla police car charge?
Tesla Superchargers can provide over 150 miles of charge in 15 minutes. Slower on normal Level 2 chargers.
Do Tesla police cars have special performance tuning?
Unplugged has not indicated any power upgrades. Non-performance trims are likely.
Can Tesla police cars outperform gas cars?
EVs have advantages like instant torque but range is still a limitation. Gas cars likely better for lengthy high-speed pursuits.
Key Takeaways on Tesla Police Vehicle Program
- South Pasadena PD adopting fleet of 20 Tesla Model 3 and Model Y police cars
- Unplugged Performance providing extensive modifications
- Aims to replace all gas-powered police vehicles with EVs
- Highlights benefits like lower maintenance and advanced tech
- Program could spur wider Tesla adoption among police departments
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