There have been a number of police departments in the U.S. that have already made the successful switch to electric by adding Tesla Model S, Model 3, and Model Y vehicles to their fleets.
We have yet to see a Canadian police department do the same, but the Peel Regional Police in Ontario are taking steps to be among the first.
The police department published a press release Thursday titled “Exploring the Future of Police Cars”. Mark Figueiredo, Director of Materials Management revealed the department has received a loaner Long Range (LR) Tesla Model Y to test out as a police cruiser.
Figueiredo said they are still a long way from officially adding a Tesla to their fleet. The trials and tests to be performed with the Model Y will help to determine if electric vehicles (EVs) would be practical for police work in Ontario.
“The range of the electric vehicle and total cost of ownership were compelling to us when this idea was first brought to us by Ryan Anstey from our Communications team; however, there are several other considerations that need to be addressed, including sufficient charging infrastructure, space for police equipment, and battery demand in the cold winters we have here in Ontario. This loaned vehicle will help us explore all of those considerations,” said Figueiredo.
Several U.S. police departments have seen huge savings by adding Tesla vehicles to their fleets. The Model Y has been the popular car of choice lately, with Spokane ordering four of them. The Westchester PD in New York became the first when their Model Y hit the streets in December.
