Police departments across North America are integrating electric vehicles (EVs) into their fleets, with the Tesla Model Y emerging as the popular choice. For the most part the reception of the Model Y has been positive, but recently the Menlo Park Police Department in California has encountered significant challenges, particularly with the vehicle’s software.
Model Y Praised for Performance and Customization
In La Crescent, Minnesota, the introduction of the Tesla Model Y into the police force has been met with widespread approval. The vehicle was introduced in December 2023, making it the first electric car used by law enforcement in Houston County.
According to Police Chief Luke Ahlschlager, the Model Y has been well-received by both officers and the community.
In an interview with Hometown Source, the chief praised the vehicle’s performance, describing it as “a souped-up golf cart that runs on battery.” The car’s regenerative braking system, which extends battery life by reducing the need to apply pressure to the brakes, has been particularly beneficial.
Additionally, the use of individual driver profiles, accessible through a phone key, has added a layer of customization that officers appreciate.
Menlo Park Face Software Struggles and Space Constraints
In contrast, the experience of the Menlo Park Police Department in California with the Tesla Model Y has been less favourable. Despite the department’s efforts to integrate the vehicles into their fleet, several issues have emerged that have led them to conclude that Teslas might not be the “patrol cars of the future.”
One of the primary challenges has been the software and “smart” features of the vehicle, which have proven to be problematic in a law enforcement context.
For example, officers reported that the Tesla’s Autopilot feature occasionally interfered with the types of driving required during patrols, such as pulling off to the side of the road to approach vehicles or people. Additionally, the vehicle’s smart locking system posed a safety concern, as the car would sometimes lock automatically, creating potentially hazardous situations.
The vehicle’s lighting controls, which require navigating a multi-step touchscreen process, also proved cumbersome during nighttime operations when quick adjustments are often needed.
All of this could be overcome with software designed specifically for law enforcement, with Menlo Park suggesting Tesla develop a “public safety mode” that disables some autopilot steering corrections, a customizable sleep mode that would keep car lights on and unlimited digital keys for police accounts, reports The Almanac. However, Tesla has so far been unwilling to take this on.
The physical design of the Tesla Model Y also presented space constraints, particularly for officers wearing full patrol gear. The high center console and bucket seats made it difficult for larger officers to sit comfortably, and the lack of adequate space in the rear seats limited the vehicle’s functionality for transporting detainees or accommodating multiple officers.
Despite the challenges, Menlo Park remains committed to its goal of transitioning to a zero-emissions fleet. The department has decided to continue using the Teslas already purchased but will explore other options, such as the Chevrolet Blazer EV, for future patrol vehicles.
