The Somerset Police Department in Wisconsin has added a Tesla Model Y to their fleet, justifying the higher purchase price of the electric vehicle by analyzing the total savings they expect to see over the next decade.
Despite some skepticism about the benefits of fully electric police cars due to their higher purchase prices compared to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles, Chief Joel J. Trepczyk believes that the Tesla Model Y will “save taxpayers money and eliminate idle waste/cost.” Based on their projections and calculations, the department anticipates total savings of $83,810 over 10 years of use when compared to a conventional Ford Explorer Hybrid.
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Electric vehicles such as the Tesla Model Y have numerous benefits over traditional gasoline and hybrid vehicles. These advantages include the elimination of oil changes, superior performance, and extended lifespan. The battery in a Tesla EV can last for up to 500,000 miles with expected degradation, while the electric motors can last up to 1 million miles without maintenance. As a result, the Tesla Model Y has a lifespan of around 10 years, twice that of a conventional Ford car powered by an internal combustion engine.
It’s worth noting that police vehicles often spend a significant amount of time idling with the air conditioning on or traveling at low speeds. As a result, the Ford Explorer Hybrid’s fuel efficiency is estimated to be only 15 miles per gallon, compared to the impressive 122 miles per gallon equivalent of the Tesla Model Y. This makes electric vehicles a more practical option for these sorts of scenarios. When you factor in the significantly lower cost per mile of electricity compared to gasoline, the savings become even more evident, despite the Tesla Model Y’s higher initial purchase price of $55,000 compared to the Ford Explorer Hybrid’s $37,000 (plus an additional $10,000 for police equipment on both vehicles).
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Additional equipment such as lights, siren, police radio, and computer, which are powered by an auxiliary battery that has minimal impact on the vehicle’s 300-mile range. The department has found the range to be more than sufficient, as most officers only drive 30-60 miles per shift.
Feedback from officers has been positive, although they are still adjusting to the unique features of the Tesla, such as one-pedal driving and rapid acceleration. A video of a Q&A session and a walkaround of the EV will be posted later this week.
The Somerset Police Department is not the first to convert a Tesla for police duties, with the New York Police Department having done so in 2021. Other EVs used by police forces in the US include the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lighting Pro SSV. The Citroen Ami is an unusual choice for an EV police car, currently in use on the Greek island of Chalki.
