The Centralia Police Department in Washington State is becoming the latest law enforcement agency to add a Tesla to its fleet. This week city council approved the purchase of a used Model Y as part of a pilot program to determine whether electric vehicles (EVs) can reduce operating costs.
Unlike many departments that use Teslas for patrol duty, Centralia’s Model Y will serve as an administrative vehicle, replacing a 2006 Chevrolet Impala with more than 100,000 miles (161,000 km).
Police Chief Andy Caldwell told the City Council the decision was driven by the potential for long-term savings, citing growing interest among law enforcement agencies in EVs.
“There’s a lot of law enforcement publications that are discussing the benefits of admin vehicles going to electric vehicles and the cost savings,” Caldwell said. “That cost savings largely comes from the fact that an EV versus a Ford Explorer, a Ford Explorer costs about, we’ll say, 11 to 15 cents per mile, where a Tesla costs about 4 cents per mile.” (via The Chronicle)
According to city documents, the used Model Y will cost about US$36,000, compared to at least US$56,000 for a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. The city will also spend approximately US$17,500 to equip the SUV for police use and another US$5,450 to install a Level 2 charger.
Caldwell described the purchase as a one-year pilot program that will allow the department to compare real-world operating costs before deciding whether additional EVs make sense.
The pilot program mirrors similar initiatives at police departments across North America. Green Bay, Wisconsin approved two additional Tesla Model Ys after reporting its existing vehicles had each cost less than US$500 annually to operate.
Meanwhile, South Pasadena police estimated its transition to an all-electric police fleet would save roughly US$4,000 per vehicle each year in energy costs alone, with additional savings from eliminating routine maintenance such as oil changes, engine servicing, and many brake replacements.
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