Cars
South Pasadena’s move to electric police cars is turning heads
South Pasadena has become the first city in the U.S. to roll out an all-electric police fleet, which is saving the city approximately $4,000 per vehicle each year and is expected to save $400,000 over a decade.
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South Pasadena has officially become the first city in the U.S. to roll out an all-electric fleet for its police department. Yup, say goodbye to gas-guzzlers and hello to sleek Tesla Model Ys quietly patrolling the streets.
The South Pasadena Police Department has introduced 20 brand-new Teslas, and they’re not just eco-friendly—they’re outpacing traditional police cruisers in performance, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
“We had an existing fleet that was probably end of life three or four years ago so we were looking for a solution to replace our fleet all at once,” Sgt. Tony Abdalla said in a SPDP video posted to the police department’s X/Twitter account.
“What we found is Tesla was not only a viable option but it was the best option. The city is very environmentally and sustainability conscious. We got a much better performing car that costs significantly less to maintain and fuel.”
Crunching the Numbers
Let’s talk savings. According to city reports, this electric transition will save the city approximately $4,000 per vehicle each year.
That’s right—over a decade, we’re looking at a whopping $400,000 in operational costs.
Lower maintenance needs (goodbye oil changes and brake replacements) and cheaper charging options are making this an economically savvy and environmentally responsible choice.
Today, the SPPD is proud to announce the conversion of our entire gas-powered fleet, all at once, to @Tesla battery electric vehicles by @UpfitTesla. We reached this decision because we wanted the safest and most capable vehicle for the job, lowest total cost of ownership, and… pic.twitter.com/l5RMfChdGe
— South Pasadena PD (@southpaspd) July 29, 2024
Community Support at Its Best
After three years of research, the city council gave the green light for this transition back in September 2022, analyzing over 35 U.S. law enforcement agencies that have integrated electric vehicles into their fleets.
The message is clear: South Pasadena is serious about leading the charge toward sustainability.
Mayor Evelyn Zneimer expressed her enthusiasm: “This transition reflects the city’s vision for a sustainable future based on sound fiscal management and environmental stewardship.”
It’s a win-win situation: a modern police force that’s safe, clean, and saves taxpayer dollars.
Looking Ahead
The city plans to implement a solar-powered system with battery storage to power the City Hall, the Police Station, and the Fire Station. This is just the beginning of an exciting journey toward a greener future.
South Pasadena proves that change is possible and starts with bold decisions like this one. So next time you see a sleek Tesla cruising by with lights flashing, remember: it’s not just about law enforcement; it’s about paving the way for a sustainable future.
What are your thoughts on South Pasadena’s groundbreaking move to an all-electric police fleet? Do you think other cities should follow suit? We’d love to hear your opinions! Please share your comments below or join us on Facebook and Twitter to continue the discussion.
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