A California police department has become the country's first law enforcement agency to use a fleet of electric vehicles.
On Monday, the South Pasadena Police unveiled its fleet of 20 new Telsas—10 Model Ys for cruisers and 10 Model 3s for detective and administrative duties, the city stated in a news release. The zero-emission electric vehicles—which have 5-star safety ratings—replace the department's gas-powered fleet.
“Switching to these vehicles offers the Police Department the opportunity to acquire a cutting-edge vehicle fleet,” Chief Brian Solinsky said in a statement. “This initiative not only ensures the safest vehicles for officers and staff but also leads to substantial reductions in both fuel and maintenance costs."
In fact, the city is expected to save roughly $4,000 annually per vehicle when it comes to energy costs and other savings. According to Solinsky, the cost of operating an electric fleet is at least half the per-mile cost of a gas-powered one.
An electric fleet also comes with an environmental benefit, cutting down on dangerous, smog-forming emissions.
“This is important, particularly in the Los Angeles area, which still has the most unhealthful air in the nation,” said South Pasadena Council Member Michael Cacciotti, who also is vice chair of the South Coast Air Quality Management District. “We hope other police departments in the region and state will make the switch, too.”
