The South Pasadena Police Department announced on Monday it is converting its entire police fleet to electric vehicles (EVs), and the department has already started the process by ordering the most popular electric police car, the Tesla Model Y.
The police department is jumping in with both feet having already purchased 10 Model Y cars to be converted for police use. The transition to an all-electric police force is being accomplished thanks to funding from multiple sources. The Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee will provide nearly $500,000 in “clean transportation funding.” Additionally, Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready program and the South Pasadena City Council will make “significant” investments to support the project, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.
To help keep their fleet of electric patrol cars ready for duty the city will also be installing 9 Level 2 chargers and one DC fast charger for police use only.
South Pasadena Council member Michael Cacciotti stated that the project aligns with the city’s Climate Action Plan and will involve obtaining cutting-edge public safety vehicle technology and place their officers in the “safest and most effective police vehicles on the market.”
“We will be putting our officers in the safest and most effective police vehicles on the market. In addition to that, we will be investing in technology that will help reduce harmful vehicle emissions to improve air quality for all our residents. This effort will provide a model for other jurisdictions; we can build a 21st century police force, save significant resources and clean the air at the same time,” Cacciotti said.
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