• Local authorities will use the Model Y as a pursuit vehicle and the Model 3 as an administrative vehicle.
  • The newly-delivered EVs will be charged at a new bank of chargers at South Pasadena City Hall.
  • Each Tesla is tipped to save $4,000 per annum on energy costs alone.

The South Pasadena Police Department says it has become the first to adopt an all-electric police fleet in the U.S., replacing its older vehicles with Tesla Model Ys and Model 3s.

Each of the vehicles has been extensively modified by California’s Unplugged Performance and its Upfit fleet division. Now roaming the streets of South Pasadena are Model Ys serving as pursuit vehicles while several Model 3s will be used as administrative vehicles. Each EV will be charged at a new bank of chargers at South Pasadena City Hall.

Read: Unplugged Performance Shows The Ultimate Tesla Model Y Cop Car

The department received $1.3 million in funding to make the transition to EVs. Additionally, the Clean Power Alliance will install a solar system and battery storage through its Power Ready Program to ensure the Teslas can always be charged. Each Tesla is expected to save roughly $4,000 yearly on energy costs over the ICE models they have replaced.

While some pundits have expressed concerns about the range of EVs and their practicality as police vehicles, they do have some advantages. For example, ICE police vehicles need to always be running to power all the tricked-out equipment they use, even if they’re just sitting idle, wasting fuel, and spewing pollutants into the sky.

“Switching to these vehicles offers the Police Department the opportunity to acquire a cutting-edge vehicle fleet,” South Pasadena Police Chief Brian Solinsky said. “This initiative not only ensures the safest vehicles for officers and staff but also leads to substantial reductions in both fuel and maintenance costs.”

UPfit showcased its Tesla Model Y police cruiser in August last year. A steel bull bar at the front immediately makes it stand out. It also has new flashing LED lights that extend up from the front quarter panels, and all the obligatory red and blue lights, including on the side skirts. Each Tesla also sits on special aftermarket wheels with all-terrain tires.