South Pasadena, California, has made history as the first city in the United States to fully transition its police fleet from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).
After announcing the initiative last year, the department has now completed the switch, incorporating 20 new Tesla EVs and nearly three dozen chargers.
Tesla Model Y and Model 3: The New Patrol and Detective Vehicles
The new fleet consists of 10 Tesla Model Y vehicles for patrol duties and 10 Tesla Model 3s for detectives and administrative purposes.
All vehicles are leased under a 60-month contract and have been customized for police use by Unplugged Performance’s Up.Fit division.
The Advantages of Silent Electric Patrol Cars
South Pasadena police officers now have a tactical advantage with their silent all-electric patrol cars. The transition to the 20-strong Tesla EV fleet is expected to save the city approximately $400,000 over a decade.
Charging Infrastructure and Clean Energy Integration
To ensure the availability of the electric fleet, the city has installed 34 Level 2 chargers across the Police and Fire Departments, with 14 designated for public use. Additionally, a Level 3 DC fast charger will be installed at the Police Department for rapid charging.
In partnership with the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Power Ready program, South Pasadena has also integrated solar panels and battery storage, providing clean electricity to the new police cars and serving as a backup power source during outages.
Cost Savings and Environmental Benefits
The switch to EVs is projected to generate significant savings, amounting to approximately $400,000 over ten years, making the decision to transition to a battery-powered fleet a logical choice for the city. Operational costs per mile are anticipated to be halved compared to the previous gas-powered vehicles.
Chief Solinsky’s Perspective
South Pasadena Police Chief Brian Solinsky emphasized the benefits of the transition, stating, “Switching to these vehicles offers the Police Department the opportunity to acquire a cutting-edge vehicle fleet.
This initiative not only ensures the safest vehicles for officers and staff but also leads to substantial reductions in both fuel and maintenance costs. This transition enhances service levels for the residents of South Pasadena by minimizing maintenance downtime commonly seen with gas engines.”