Ind. Councilman: Tesla Police Cruiser Could Cut Fuel Costs by 90%

DALEVILLE, IN — After acquiring an Tesla Model 3, officials with the town of Daleville are hoping to save hundreds of dollars in fuel and maintenance costs.

Town council members were briefed Tuesday on the vehicle, which was recently purchased at a cost of about $67,000.

Town Council Vice President Adam Jones told the council during its Tuesday meeting that the vehicle will pay for itself in about four years.

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The town recently bought the Tesla as part of an effort to lower fuel costs, which it has done so far, Jones said.

The officer assigned to the vehicle has been familiarizing himself with its features and has council members with real-time cost data.

"He (the officer) showed me some of his charging stats," Jones said during Tuesday's meeting. "If he does a fill-up from absolute zero to 100%, it will be $12.75 for 300 miles of range."

October's fuel expenses were more than $1,000, Councilman Tom Roberts said.

With the Tesla, he said, "we're looking at a more than 90% decrease in fuel costs."

The council will monitor the vehicle's data for the next six months with the hope of gradually replacing the police department's entire fleet should cost savings remain consistent.

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