Electric vehicles aren't for everyone.
While browsing the "Tesla X" page, I came across this interesting YouTube video from Unplugged Performance Tesla that @SawyerMerritt posted that described an interesting turnaround in police officer's perception of electric vehicles, specifically Tesla models. Some of the police officers described their experience with a Tesla vehicle.
One officer, initially skeptical, shared his experience:
"The difference is absolutely staggering. I don't want to go back to this (ICE car) now. After driving the Tesla modified package, this (ICE police car) just feels so much more sluggish. The Tesla is just honestly far superior."
The Tesla Cybertruck and other Tesla models were a big hit, with police officers who left their gas patrol cars behind for a day. They said they never want to return to their gas cars. However, that's not the opinion of all police with day-to-day experience with electric vehicles. I will include those experiences in this report, but first, here are the officer's initial reactions to Tesla vehicles.
How Were the Police Introduced To the Tesla Cybertruck and Other Models?
The introduction happened on a unique day of testing and collaboration between the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) and police officers from eight different California departments, who participated in a unique event at an emergency vehicle operations course (EVOC) public safety driver training facility.
Here is what other officers said after a day of testing the Tesla models:
Another officer said: "I might buy one (Tesla) now."
Another officer, who had never driven a Tesla until that day, shared his shift in mindset: "I had never driven one until today. I have a different mindset here at 2 PM than I did at 6 AM. I was not necessarily sold, but I am now."
The Officers Pushed the Electric Car's Limits
The video report says, "As law enforcement agencies nationwide are increasingly piloting, testing, and adopting Tesla vehicles, the event provided a valuable opportunity for some of the nation's top EVOC instructors to push the limits of these UP.FIT Teslas and train officers, many experiencing Teslas for the first time."
"This event focused on real-world performance and a goal to maximize the performance capabilities of UP.FIT Tesla vehicles on the challenging EVOC course."
Watch the video below as officers – many driving a Tesla for the first time – evaluate the Model Y's performance compared to the industry-standard Ford Explorer PIU. With permission, Unplugged Performance Tesla captured the officer's honest reactions and insights throughout the day.
Not All Police Officers Agree That Tesla Vehicles Make the Best Police Cruisers
In one of my Tesla reports, I describe the Tesla Model Y, a vehicle that promised innovation and efficiency, has fallen short of expectations, especially in the context of police use.
My report from Automotive News described three police departments' struggles with a Tesla Model Y and Tesla Model 3, vehicles purchased to comply with zero-emissions mandates in California. The police officers who drive them expressed their frustration, finding it nearly unusable in their daily operations.
Here Are the Excerpts From My Report
The financial burden of modifying Tesla vehicles for police use is significant. Some police departments in California, which purchased these electric cars to comply with zero-emissions mandates, find them too cramped, too hard to charge, and too expensive to upfit with necessary equipment.
AN says, "It looks like Tesla isn't quite ready for crime time."
The report says in Menlo Park, a few miles from Tesla's engineering office in Palo Alto, officers found three long-range Model Ys to be "nearly unusable" as squad cars because the seats can't accommodate their duty belts and bulletproof vests, according to a recent report to the Palo Alto city council.
The report concluded that Teslas " do not appear to be the 'patrol cars of the future' in their current configuration. "However, the officers using the vehicles appreciated the acceleration, steering, and vehicle speed compared to the hybrids and remaining gasoline-only patrol vehicles."
For a deeper dive into the discussion, check out my full report here.
How to Evaluate if an Electric Vehicle is Right For You
Electric vehicles are not for everyone. Before you leap to an electric vehicle, here are some key points for potential buyers.
1. Driving range:
- Compare the EV's range to your typical daily commute to ensure it meets your needs without frequent charging.
2. Charging access:
- Assess whether you have reliable access to a home charger and the availability of public charging stations along your regular routes.
3. Cost analysis:
- Factor in the initial purchase price, potential government incentives like tax credits, and estimated fuel cost savings compared to a gasoline car.
4. Test drive experience:
- Take a thorough test drive to evaluate the driving dynamics, acceleration, handling, and overall comfort of the EV.
5. Battery health and degradation:
- Research the battery lifespan and potential degradation over time, which can impact the driving range.
6. Vehicle features and technology:
- Consider the available safety features, infotainment systems, and driver assistance technologies.
Essential Questions to Ask Yourself:
- Do you primarily drive short distances or long trips?
- Can you easily charge an EV at home?
- Are there enough charging stations readily accessible in your area?
- What is your budget for a new vehicle, including the cost of a home charger?
- Do you value performance and acceleration in a car?
Lessons from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Experience on the Test Track.
The officer's experience from one day of driving the Tesla models is insufficient to determine if the cars and Cybertruck will make a good police vehicle. As the officers in my report described, there were significant challenges due to the small interior space, 'smart car' features, and low vehicle profile limiting maneuverability.
Final Thoughts and Questions for Tesla Owners
However, the average electric vehicle buyer will have different challenges and questions to see if an electric vehicle is the best for you. Do your homework before you make the leap to an electric vehicle like Tesla.
What about you? Do you own a Tesla model? Which one, and what is your advice for potential EV buyers? Share your experiences in the red Add New Comment link below.
Check out my Tesla Cybertruck story titled; We Rented A Tesla Cybertruck For a Ski Trip, It’s Like A Giant Golf Cart and It Made Me Sick, I Refuse To Ever Get In One Again
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Unplugged Performance Tesla
Comments
As all state employed and…
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As all state employed and politicians, he does not worry about the initial cost and the drastic depreciation of the battery driven vehicles the taxpayers supply him.
Police cars require monthly…
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In reply to As all state employed and… by Michael Zoepritz (not verified)
Police cars require monthly oil changes or more due to the constant idling of the vehicles.
This costs us $79 per change plus the time to drive it there and someone to pick it up a power hours). Granted it's only 10 minutes each way but that's 40 minutes of time (20 for drop off guy and 20 for pickup guy).
That equates to roughly $960 per year. This doesn't factor in any other maintenance but everything else should be relatively the same.
I'd say a $25,000 equinox ev would be a nice option for many departments. That's what they cost after rebates and probably with fleet discounts so it's cheaper than the explorers you see in most departments.
I don't think they worry…
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In reply to As all state employed and… by Michael Zoepritz (not verified)
I don't think they worry about depreciation too much. Most departments keep vehicles over 100k and aren't worth much.
Figure gas savings of 10 cents a mile conservatively and 100k miles is 10k in savings.
If they get a reasonably priced EV in the low 30k it's also 15k cheaper than a base explorer.
Here is the actual quote…
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Here is the actual quote from the article lead:
“So, I Drove the Cybertruck and Other Tesla Models, I Don't Ever Want to Go Back To My ICE Patrol Car, Tesla Is Far Superior,” But Not All Cops Agree.
Note the 2nd sentence.
Going into the detail of the article, the picture isn't as rosy for Police use as you may lead everyone to believe.
They will when the battery…
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They will when the battery runs out of juice … because they run all there electronics & lights, along with either heat or A/C constantly. I just can’t see this being logical in the cold regions. How many $100+k vehicles will each PD location fit into their “de-funded” budgets? This is just another myth in my opinion.
You forgot burning through…
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You forgot burning through tires in 6,000 miles at nearly $500 each.
They should have went with…
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They should have went with another brand. Cybertrucks lost that pulling competition.