Police departments across the United States, including those in California, are exploring the possibility of switching their fleet of patrol cars to Tesla electric vehicles. This comes at a time when California Governor Gavin Newsom is contemplating offering a $7,500 tax credit for electric vehicles, especially if President-elect Donald Trump follows through on his promise to eliminate the current federal $7,500 tax credit for EVs. Many law enforcement agencies have already adopted Tesla vehicles, while others are still considering making the move to electric vehicles.
Governor Newsom’s Proposal and Tesla’s Exclusion
Governor Newsom’s proposed tax credit aims to encourage the use of electric vehicles in California, but Tesla may be excluded from the program. This exclusion stems from a proposed market-share cap, which is designed to foster competition among electric vehicle manufacturers. Tesla currently dominates the electric vehicle market in California, accounting for over half of all new EVs sold in the state. The exclusion is seen as a way to promote a more diverse range of electric vehicle manufacturers.
Several police departments in California have already invested significantly in Tesla electric vehicles. The Irvine Police Department, for example, has spent nearly $150,000 on adding Tesla Cybertrucks to its fleet of patrol cars. Other departments, such as the Anaheim and Menlo Park police departments, have each spent about $50,000 on Tesla vehicles. These investments highlight the growing interest in adopting electric vehicles for law enforcement use due to their environmental benefits and technological advantages.
Challenges with Tesla Vehicles for Police Use
Despite the growing interest in Tesla vehicles, some police departments have encountered challenges with their use. Neil Cervenka, the police chief of the Fort Bragg Police Department, has pointed out issues related to the practicality of Tesla cars. Officers have reported difficulties getting in and out of the vehicles while wearing police gear, leading to discomfort during long shifts. In particular, officers with chronic back, knee, and ankle issues find the smaller vehicle size problematic. As a result, Fort Bragg has chosen to adopt a roomier and more affordable Ford electric truck for its fleet, which has been better suited to their operational needs.
In contrast, Tesla vehicles have found favor in other police departments, such as the Travelers Rest Police Department in South Carolina. Chief Ben Ford has praised the speed and performance of Tesla vehicles, noting that they enable officers to apprehend suspects more quickly. The department has been testing Tesla vehicles for over a year and has found them to be effective for law enforcement purposes, highlighting the diverse opinions and experiences surrounding Tesla’s role in police fleets across the country.