The South Pasadena Police Department recently made a big decision to transition their entire police vehicle fleet to electric vehicles. In this blog, we will explore the Police Department’s decision to switch to Tesla Model Ys and Model 3s for their fleet.
We will discuss the new electric vehicle chargers installed at South Pasadena City Hall to support the electric fleet. We will also look at how the switch is expected to save thousands of dollars per vehicle annually. This article gives all the important details about how the South Pasadena Police Department became the first in the nation to have a fully electric fleet.
We have shared every aspect of this transition separately in different sections, so please read till the end to learn everything. To power the new electric police fleet, the City of South Pasadena installed 34 electric vehicle chargers at South Pasadena City Hall. The chargers were needed because electric vehicles require charging stations to charge their batteries.
The new chargers will allow the police vehicles to charge conveniently whenever they are parked at the City Hall during shifts or administrative work. The chargers are powered through the local electric grid operated by Southern California Edison. Additionally, to ensure charging capabilities even during power outages, the Clean Power Alliance will install solar panels and battery storage systems at City Hall, the Police Station, and the Fire Station.
The solar and battery systems will provide backup power to charge the electric vehicles no matter what the condition of the main electric grid. This was a critical part of the project to transition to electric vehicles and ensure that the police fleet always has access to charging.
According to reports by city officials, switching to an electric police fleet with Tesla vehicles is expected to significantly reduce energy costs for the City of South Pasadena compared to continuing with gasoline vehicles. Gasoline is more expensive than electricity used to charge electric vehicles.
Reports state that each Tesla in the new electric police fleet is projected to save approximately $4,000 per year in energy costs alone compared to the older gasoline vehicles. Over the lifespan of the Tesla vehicles, this savings per vehicle will add up to tens of thousands of dollars saved for the city on energy expenditures.
Lower operating costs were a major motivating factor for the city to invest in the switch to electric vehicles for the police fleet. Additionally, electric vehicles require less regular maintenance than gasoline vehicles. Services like oil changes, transmission flushes, and other engine related maintenance are no longer needed.
This is expected to further reduce the costs of operating and maintaining the new electric police fleet compared to before. Overall, the projected energy and maintenance savings show that the upfront investment in the electric fleet transition will pay itself back over time through lower operating expenses. By transitioning its entire fleet of 20 vehicles to Tesla Model Y and Models 3s, the SPPD reached a huge milestone as the pioneering law enforcement agency to replace all of its gasoline vehicles with electric vehicles.
While a few other police departments had started pilot programs with only a small number of electric vehicles, South Pasadena was the first to commit to 100% electric. This makes them a leader setting the example for other police departments and fleets across the country to make the switch to more sustainable options.
The successful implementation of the all-electric fleet and the projected savings will help inspire more agencies to seriously consider transitioning away from solely relying on expensive and polluting gasoline vehicles.
The Tesla Model Ys and Model 3s added to the South Pasadena police fleet underwent modifications and upfits to suit their new roles as law enforcement vehicles. Unplugged Performance, an electric vehicle conversion company, customized each of the 20 Teslas for police use. Specialized upgrades were made like adding flashing lights and magnetic signs to the exterior of the vehicles. The interiors were modified with equipment like laptop mounts, radio consoles and space for gear like bulletproof vests.
These changes ensured the Teslas were fully functional as police patrol and administrative cars. Unplugged Performance has extensive experience in modifying Teslas into pursuit vehicles, so they were well equipped to transform the Model Ys and 3s for police work in South Pasadena. The entire electric fleet transition project for the South Pasadena police cost $1.3 million to implement. Multiple partnerships provided significant funding and resources to support this ambitious project. The Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee contributed almost $500,000 in Clean Transportation Funding.
Southern California Edison invested approximately $530,000 to upgrade local grids and install charger infrastructure under their Charge Ready program. Additionally, the Clean Power Alliance is establishing solar panels and battery storage systems at no cost to the city through their Power Ready Program.
These systems will provide backup power from the sun to charge the electric police vehicles. With over half of the $1.3 million project cost covered by various partners, the city’s net expenditure was reduced to only $1.85 million. This funding and resources allocation made the switch to an all-electric fleet financially feasible for the Police Department.
Compared to traditional gas-powered police cars, the new electric Tesla vehicles provide multiple financial and environmental benefits to the city of South Pasadena. Since they produce zero direct emissions while driving, the Model Ys and Model 3s reduce air pollution like nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds and carbon dioxide which harm public health and contribute to climate change. This improves air quality especially in the Los Angeles area which experiences some of the worst smog in the nation. The Teslas also lower fueling costs significantly by an estimated $4,000 or more per vehicle annually as electricity is cheaper than gas.
Reduced maintenance needs further cuts operating expenses making the electric cruisers a more cost-effective option long-term. Overall, by going electric the police department enhances sustainability and saves substantial taxpayer money every year. All Tesla vehicles are engineered to the highest safety standards, earning the top 5-star ratings in all categories from the federal NHTSA regulatory body. The Model Y and Model 3 police cars provide officers and staff with the safest vehicles available today for their important work.
Each car received specialized upgrades by Unplugged Performance to enhance their law enforcement capabilities while maintaining Tesla’s exceptional strength and crash protection. The instant acceleration of electric motors also improves response times en route to calls. Premium features like cameras, sensors and software keep officers connected and aware on all missions. With cutting-edge technology, maximum protection and lower emissions – the new Model Y and Model 3 fleet gives South Pasadena first-responders a significant advantage to serve and protect their community more sustainably now and into the future.
The City of South Pasadena envisions a future with lower carbon emissions, reduced air pollution and more efficient use of resources. By transitioning the police fleet to zero emission electric vehicles, the city is demonstrating leadership and translating this vision into reality. Powering vehicles and equipment with clean renewable energy instead of gas helps South Pasadena build a truly sustainable community. Mayor Evelyn Zneimer stated the electric fleet directly supports the goals of sound fiscal practices and environmental stewardship.
The project fosters innovation to confront the global climate crisis at the local level. By cutting costs and preventing pollution, the electric police fleet furthers South Pasadena’s progressive effort to ensure future generations inherit a livable, prosperous city. Protecting respiratory wellness for residents was a chief motivation to transition from gasoline vehicles. Los Angeles suffers serious smog issues, and tailpipe emissions contribute significantly to poor air quality.
Electric police cars produce no direct exhaust, reducing exposure to damaging pollutants. Emissions also speed global warming dangerously impacting communities. However, transitioning fleet vehicles to zero-emission models according to Michael Cacciotti aids in tackling climate change. Eliminating carbon and toxic emissions improves human health, inspires municipalities to lead similar transformations, and supports regional sustainability goals.
Through its pioneering efforts, the South Pasadena Police Department sets an example advancing clean transportation to benefit public safety, environmental protection, and social progress as the green economy grows. You can keep visiting the Auto Freak website as we will keep you posted about the latest news and developments related to this topic.
