South Pasadena police now only drive Teslas

The department received $1.3 million in funding to convert its fleet to electric vehicles

The South Pasadena Police Department said it has become the first in the U.S. to adopt an all-electric police fleet, replacing older vehicles with Tesla Model Y and Model 3.

Each vehicle has been extensively modified by California-based Unplugged Performance and its Upfit fleet division. Currently on the streets of South Pasadena are the Model Ys, which are used as pursuit vehicles, while several Model 3s will be used as executive vehicles. Each electric vehicle will be charged on a new charger at South Pasadena City Hall.

Read: Unplugged Performance reveals the ultimate Tesla Model Y police car

The department received $1.3 million in funding to transition to electric vehicles. In addition, the Clean Energy Alliance will install solar systems and battery storage through its Power Ready program to ensure Tesla vehicles are always charged. Each Tesla vehicle is expected to save about $4,000 in energy costs per year compared to the internal combustion engine model it replaces.

While some experts have expressed concerns about the range and practicality of electric vehicles as police cars, they do have some advantages. For example, ICE police cars need to be running all the time to power all the fancy equipment they use, even if they’re just sitting idle, wasting fuel and spewing pollutants into the sky.

“Switching to these vehicles provides the department with the opportunity to acquire a state-of-the-art fleet,” said South Pasadena Police Chief Brian Solinsky. “Not only does this move ensure our officers and staff have the safest vehicles available, but it also significantly reduces fuel and maintenance costs.”

UPfit showed off its Tesla Model Y police car last August. The steel bumper at the front of the car immediately makes it stand out. It also features new flashing LED lights that extend up from the front quarter panels, as well as all the requisite red and blue lights, including those on the side skirts. Each Tesla also comes with special aftermarket wheels with all-terrain tires.