A Tesla Model S police car has been filmed during a recent training run in California at the Alameda County Fairgrounds.
Electrek reports that the Fremont Police Department recently converted a Tesla Model S into a patrol vehicle in a bid to see if it meets the requirements for use in the force. Video captured by NBC 4 shows the Model S driving around a course of cones and while the clip doesn’t feature any sound, the Tesla certainly seems capable of easily dealing with the simple course.
In January 2018, the Fremont Police Department purchased a used 2014 Model S 85 for $61,478 to replace the aged 2007 Dodge Charger in its fleet.
In a press release published at the start of this year, the police department said the Model S was the only electric vehicle which suited its needs.
“The Tesla is the only electric vehicle that met specifications for size, performance, battery range, and safety, all required for a fully deployable patrol vehicle. Tesla electric vehicles are manufactured locally in Fremont.”
Anyone who knows anything about cars knows that the Tesla Model S is seriously fast, even in mid-range 85 guise. However, speed isn’t the only factor considered by police departments when selecting new vehicles.
In addition, it is important to look at how reliable a vehicle is and how much it will cost to maintain. According to the Fremont Police Department, a Ford Explorer police cruiser costs them approximately $32,000 in gas and an estimated $15,000 in maintenance over five years. Obviously, filling a Model S with electricity is much cheaper, though it remains to be seen if the same applies with maintenance.