Even though the Los Angeles Police Department just picked up a fleet of BMW i3 police cars, NBC Los Angeles reports that local authorities are working with Tesla to create a Model S patrol car.
While speaking with the publication, the assistant commander of the Administrative Services Bureau that oversees the vehicles of the LAPD, Vartan Yegiyan, said the recent deployment of i3s had been successful but that they were added for non-emergency duty including administrative travel.
However, because the i3’s range sits at just 81 miles / 130 km (do note that the 2017MY model has been upgraded to 114 miles or 185km) and the electric motor only pumps out 168 hp, the LAPD is looking at electric alternatives for patrol cars.
Last year, the LAPD conducted a trial with two Model S P85Ds, one of which was painted with the department’s black and white livery. Now, police are working with Tesla to have the second Model s outfitted with all the necessary equipment for it to go out in the field with an on-duty patrol sergeant.
According to Yegiyan, the car will be used in emergencies and if required, police pursuits. It remains unclear if and when the LAPD could add additional Teslas to its fleet.
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