Tesla EVs don't make good patrol vehicles, say California Police

Modifying a Model 3 would take months, compared to modifying a Ford or Chevrolet car

California's police department might have withdrawn its plans to replace its current crop of ICE-powered patrol cars with Tesla Model 3 sedans. As per reports, several high-ranking officials in the police departments in North California confirmed that the Tesla models they tested turned out to be terrible patrol cars.

Cedric Crook, Ukiah Police Department Chief, explained that the department purchased a pair of Model 3 sedans in August 2024. The cost of the cars, along with modifications, cost the department $150,000 per car. The modifications included lights, sirens, a big bullbar, a partition inside, a gun rack, ballistic panels, and communication equipment.

Apart from the high cost, the department chief also stated that the only company capable of turning a Model 3 into a patrol car was Unplugged Performance. This means that modifying a Model 3 would take months, compared to modifying a Ford or Chevrolet car, which has a long list of third-party shops.

Other issues with having a Model 3 as a patrol car include its basic design and a back seat that's only big enough for one prisoner, meaning multiple arrests would require multiple cars. The department chief also cited the driving range as another cause of concern. He concluded by saying, "I’m not ready to put an officer in a Tesla."

Another department chief, David Norris, also purchased three Model Y crossovers as part of a pilot program. However, even he came to a similar conclusion as Crook.

On the other hand, Chief Neil Cervenka from the Fort Bragg Police Department purchased five F-150 Lightning, which seemed to fare better results than the Tesla models.

Source: TheDrive