Law enforcement agency reluctant to buy more Tesla Model Y as "they're not a suitable police car" and don't save money

All-electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y are without a doubt great commuter cars which, over the long term, can save thousands of dollars in gas as they offer considerably lower running costs overall. However, EVs are also rather unproven as law enforcement patrol cars, which is why one department from the state of Washington has now outlined the distinct disadvantages of Tesla vehicles for police use.

According to a report by the local newspaper The Spokesman-Review, the Spokane Police Department plans to buy 64 new vehicles this year and has therefore reviewed the suitability of the Tesla Model Y as a patrol car. Unfortunately, the results of this two-car test run are rather disappointing for the city council which is pushing this EV transition. The law enforcement agency found that the electric SUV is simply not designed for police work and therefore does not provide enough space for police officers and their heavy equipment.

Furthermore, the Tesla Model Y does not provide any costs savings in comparison to regular police cars like the K8 Hybrid, which is the law enforcement counterpart to the civilian Ford Explorer. According to the department's calculations, it costs a whopping US$30,000 to fully outfit the EV as a patrol car, which results in an estimated five-year cost of ownership of US$101,000. The hybrid Ford Explorer on the other hand costs US$99,000 over the same time span.

Although the Tesla Model Y could apparently not convince officers at the Spokane Police Department, officials also noted that there might be better all-electric patrol car alternatives like the new Ford F-150 Lightning in the future. For the upcoming 64 vehicle purchase, however, "there isn't a suitable electric vehicle solution".

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