Fremont Police Test Tesla Model S As Patrol Car

FREMONT, CA — The Tesla plant is in Fremont, so why not use Tesla's in the city's fleet of vehicles? The idea fits with the city's goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from its 2005 baseline by the year 2020. The city has announced that it will begin testing a Model S electric vehicle customized for patrol operations

In 2017, the City formed a team comprising staff from the Police, Finance, Engineering, Information Technology, Building Maintenance, Fleet, Community Development, and Public Works Departments to study the feasibility of deploying a zero-emission vehicle for police field operations.

“The electric patrol vehicle pilot program is an extension of the City’s clean technology and smart city initiatives to help make Fremont a more sustainable community,” said Fremont Police Captain Sean Washington. “Given that Fremont Police vehicle fleet is responsible for a total of 980 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, this program has the potential to eliminate 10 percent of all municipal greenhouse gas emissions.”

The pilot team — comprising staff from the Police, Finance, Engineering, Information Technology, Building Maintenance, Fleet, Community Development, and Public Works Departments — purchased a used 2014 Model S in January 2018 for $61,478.50 (including taxes and fees) to replace a 2007 Dodge Charger which was scheduled to be taken out of service due to age. The Tesla is the only electric vehicle that met specifications for size, performance, battery range, and safety, all required for a fully deployable patrol vehicle.

It is now equipped with a light bar, push bumper, and ballistic barriers. The total invoiced costs for modifications to date are $4,447 and are expected to increase as final invoices come in. In comparison, a Ford Explorer with the police package costs approximately $40,000 with additional modification costs that are comparable to the Tesla. The initial buildup cost of the Tesla is slightly higher than that of a Ford due to the necessary customizations.

In addition, the cost of gas over a five-year period for the police Ford Explorer is approximately $32,000, and maintenance is estimated at $15,000. While the average life cycle of a police vehicle is approximately five years, electric vehicles may be operational for longer due to less mechanical issues.

To support plug-in vehicles, the City’s Police Complex has three charging stations. The electricity supply comes from the Police Department’s renewable solar power structure, which zeroes out the greenhouse gas emissions of that vehicle’s operation.

During the test period, the Model S will be monitored for performance, durability, range, costs, and unknowns that crop up.

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— Image via City of Fremont