South Pasadena, California is the first city in the United States to replace its gas-burning police fleet with all-electric vehicles. The department announced it would switch to EVs last year and now it followed through with the addition of 20 brand-new Tesla EVs and almost three dozen chargers.

There are 10 Model Y patrol vehicles and 10 Model 3 EVs that will be used for detective and administrative duties. All of them were leased on a 60-month contract and then modified by Unplugged Performance’s Up.Fit division.

To have the 20-strong fleet of all-electric police cruisers ready at any time, the city also installed 34 Level 2 chargers at the Police Department and Fire Department, with 14 of them set to be available for public use. A Level 3 DC fast charger will be installed in the Police Department parking lot to make those charging stops quicker.

Furthermore, South Pasadena partnered with the Clean Power Alliance (CPA) Power Ready program to install solar panels and battery storage which will funnel clean electricity into the new electric police cars and act as a backup in the case of an outage.

The switch to EV will lead to savings of approximately $400,000 over ten years, the city of South Pasadena said, with the decision to transition to a battery-powered police fleet being “a no-brainer.” Operational costs are expected to be around half on a per-mile basis compared to the old gas-powered police cruisers.

“Switching to these vehicles offers the Police Department the opportunity to acquire a cutting-edge vehicle fleet,” said South Pasadena Police Chief Brian Solinsky. “This initiative not only ensures the safest vehicles for officers and staff but also leads to substantial reductions in both fuel and maintenance costs. This transition enhances service levels for the residents of South Pasadena by minimizing maintenance downtime commonly seen with gas engines.”

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainability and innovation, the city of Los Angeles has become the first in the United States to have a fully electric police fleet. This monumental decision marks a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions and combating climate change while also improving law enforcement practices.

The transition to an all-electric police fleet is a result of the city’s commitment to environmental conservation and its desire to lead by example in the fight against climate change. By replacing traditional gasoline-powered patrol cars with electric vehicles, the city of Los Angeles is taking a proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint and creating a more sustainable future for its residents.

Not only does the adoption of electric vehicles by the police force contribute to a cleaner and greener environment, but it also has practical benefits for law enforcement operations. Electric vehicles are quieter than traditional patrol cars, allowing officers to approach suspects discreetly and without detection. Additionally, electric vehicles have lower maintenance costs and are more fuel-efficient, saving the city money in the long run.

The move to an all-electric police fleet also sets a positive example for other cities and jurisdictions across the country. As the effects of climate change become more pronounced, it is crucial for cities to take proactive steps towards reducing their carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. By demonstrating that a fully electric police fleet is not only feasible but also beneficial, Los Angeles is paving the way for other cities to follow suit.

In addition to the environmental and operational benefits of electric vehicles, the adoption of a fully electric police fleet also has the potential to improve community relations. By embracing clean energy and sustainable practices, the city of Los Angeles is sending a message to its residents that it is committed to creating a safer, healthier, and more environmentally friendly community.

As the first city in the United States to have a fully electric police fleet, Los Angeles is setting a new standard for law enforcement agencies across the country. By prioritizing sustainability and innovation, the city is demonstrating that it is possible to be both environmentally conscious and effective in policing. This groundbreaking initiative is a testament to the city’s leadership and commitment to creating a more sustainable future for all.