The Fremont Police Department’s quest for a more efficient car fleet is ongoing as a reinforced 2014 Tesla Model S 85 is getting ready to protect and serve.
Apparently, the Tesla is joining the fleet in place of an aging 2007 Dodge Charger, which makes sense seen as how Fremont PD already had multiple other “green” vehicles, such as nine Ford Escape hybrids, five Fusion hybrids, four Fusion plug-in hybrids and three Prius models.
Bad guys beware
In order to dish out justice, this Model S was equipped with an overhead light-bar, rear flashers, wheel well lights, headlight flashers, a WatchGuard vehicle camera, trunk lighting, a Panasonic mobile digital computer, push-bumper, prisoner partition, prisoner seat, center equipment console and armored door panels for the driver and front passenger.
The only thing missing is a software updated that would allow the car to perform PIT maneuvers autonomously.
While the Model S will soon join Fremont PD’s patrol fleet, most of the department’s hybrid or plug-in hybrid models were reserved for command staff and administrative lieutenants.
“The electric patrol vehicle pilot program is an extension of the City’s clean technology and smart city initiatives to help make Fremont a more sustainable community,” stated Fremont PD captain, Sean Washington. “Given that the Fremont Police vehicle fleet is responsible for a total of 980 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, this program has the potential to eliminate 10 percent of all municipal greenhouse gas emissions.”
As for how much the car cost – it was purchased in January of 2018 for $61,478 (including taxes and fees), while the mods were a further $4,447.