The South Pasadena Police Department has become the first in the United States (U.S.) to completely replace its gasoline-powered vehicles with all-electric vehicles (EVs), introducing 20 new Tesla models.

Mayor Evelyn Zneimer announced the transition to electric mobility for the fleet stating, “This reflects the city’s vision of a sustainable future based on both sound fiscal management and environmental stewardship. We will have a 21st Century police force that is safe, clean, and saves taxpayer dollars.”

In detail, the fleet consists of 10 Tesla Model Y units for patrol duties and 10 Tesla Model 3 units for detective and administrative work. All EVs come with 5-star safety ratings, ensuring optimal protection for officers in the field. The initiative is projected to save around $4,000 per EV annually on energy costs, with additional savings in maintenance expenses.

To support this electric fleet, the city has installed 34 new EV chargers at South Pasadena City Hall, facilitated by Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready program. Furthermore, a solar-powered backup system is being implemented to ensure essential city services continue during power outages, enhancing the resilience of public safety operations.

South Pasadena Police Chief Brian Solinsky expressed the benefits of the transition stating, “This initiative not only ensures the safest vehicles for officers and staff but also leads to substantial reductions in both fuel and maintenance costs.”

Moreover, this transition which cost $1.85 million, has received major support from regional partners. The Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC) contributed nearly $500,000, while Southern California Edison provided around $530,000 in infrastructure work.

Furthermore, the city has partnered with Enterprise Fleet Management for vehicle acquisition and Standard Fleet for advanced fleet management software, ensuring efficient operation and maintenance of the EVs.

Interestingly, the Anaheim Police Department has done similar actions with an electrified fleet of six Tesla Model Y units added to its patrol fleet. As a result, this emerging trend of police departments considering EVs into its fleet is certainly one to take notice of.

Read More: Anaheim Police Department Drives Forward with Its Tesla Model Y Patrol Fleet

With this unique initiative setting a new standard for law enforcement agencies across the country, it demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to all-electric fleets. As South Pasadena leads the way with EVs in its police department, it invites other police departments to consider similar environmentally friendly and cost-effective transitions in the future.

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