The City of Newport, Kentucky, is expanding its electric police fleet with four additional Tesla Model Y vehicles following the success of its initial EV pilot program. The decision, approved during a city commission meeting on June 16, continues a transition that began in December 2023 with the addition of three Tesla Model 3s to the Newport Police Department’s lineup.
Expecting some pushback from citizens on the request for additional Teslas, city officials say the move is driven by both fiscal responsibility and environmental considerations. According to a financial breakdown presented at the meeting, the Tesla Model Y significantly outperforms the department’s traditional vehicle of choice, the Dodge Durango, in every single cost category over a five-year period.
The analysis shows a 69% (yes, 69%) lower total cost of ownership for the Tesla Model Y over five years, saving the city more than US$148,000 across the four new vehicles. This includes savings on base purchase price, upfitting costs, energy and fuel, maintenance, and higher resale value.
Environmental impact was also a major factor. The city estimates that each Dodge Durango emits 360.53 metric tons of CO2 over five years, while the Tesla Model Y contributes just 19.87 metric tons when accounting for indirect emissions from electricity use—a reduction of over 94%. (via LINK NKY)
Even the upfitting costs, or the costs associated with installing emergency lights, sirens, radios, protective partitions (cages), computer mounts, weapon storage, and department-specific decals, was more than 15% less for the Tesla than the Dodge.
Newport Police Chief Chris Fangman explained that the department’s journey toward electrification began more than three years ago as vehicle costs, especially for the Dodge Durango, soared. While considering the Ford Mustang Mach-E as a potential alternative, the team ultimately found Tesla’s pricing and performance to be a better fit.
City Manager John Hayden acknowledged political concerns surrounding Tesla but said the city’s duty is to act in the public’s financial interest. “We’re focused on what delivers the best value to taxpayers,” he said.
