FYI: The Menlo Park Police Department in California has found Tesla’s Model Y to fall short of expectations for patrol use, citing space constraints, cost increases, and "smart car" features as significant challenges.
Tesla Models in Police Fleets: A Mixed Bag?
Tesla vehicles have seen growing adoption among police departments across the U.S. thanks to their noted benefits in cost savings and performance. However, not all reviews are glowing. The Menlo Park Police Department in California has voiced concerns, asserting that Teslas may not be the "patrol cars of the future."
Adopting a Sustainable Fleet
In 2019, the Menlo Park City Council voted 3-2 in favor of implementing a Sustainable Fleet Policy beginning in 2020. They selected the Tesla Model Y Long Range over other electric vehicles, such as the Ford Mustang Mach-E, to spearhead this initiative. Currently, the Menlo Park Police Department operates three Tesla Model Y units within its fleet.
Costs and Modifications
Outfitting a Tesla for police duty is no small undertaking. The modifications include lights, sirens, specialized seatbelts, communication equipment, gun racks, window guards, and ballistic door panels. According to data, equipping a Tesla Model Y costs approximately $12,700 more than preparing a Ford Explorer Hybrid. When combining outfitting costs with the initial vehicle price, the Tesla ends up being $25,355 more expensive—a 33% increase.
While other departments have managed to neutralize these cost differences within a year of vehicle operation, Menlo Park has reported various operational challenges.
Space Constraints
One of the main issues highlighted is the limited interior space. Modifications required for patrol duties reduce the space available for officers wearing full gear. Menlo Park’s City Council outlined the specific space constraints:
“The width of duty belts and bulletproof vests do not fit well in the bucket seat and the height of the center console required larger officers to sit at an angle or with their sidearm pinned and inaccessible while in the vehicle. The equipment overhangs the passenger seat making it nearly unusable."
This configuration not only makes the daily use uncomfortable for officers but also impedes operational flexibility, such as transporting detained individuals or accommodating trainee officers for 12-hour shifts.
“Smart Car” Features: More Hindrance Than Help?
The Tesla Model Y also brought operational complications due to its advanced features. Specific issues included Autopilot interference, complicated lighting controls, and challenges posed by proximity locking, sleep mode, and self-closing doors:
“The following ‘smart’ features of the Teslas created challenges for patrol operations:
- Autopilot Interference: Causes delays when shifting into drive and occasional automatic stops when pulling off to the side of the road.
- Lighting Controls (Tablet): Multi-step touchscreen process for dimming lights, which is less efficient during night patrols.
- Proximity Locking, Sleep Mode, and Self-Closing Doors: Vehicles won’t lock if the key or smartphone is within range and will lock if the key or phone is not nearby."
Moving Forward
Given these challenges, Menlo Park’s City Council approved the purchase of a Chevrolet Blazer as a future police vehicle.
Council member Betty Nash commented on the department’s experience with Teslas, stating:
“I am very proud that we tried the Teslas, and not everything works. I appreciate all the work that the police department did with working through all the bumps.”
Conclusion
While many police departments find Tesla vehicles to be advantageous, the Menlo Park Police Department’s experience suggests that these vehicles may not be universal in their adaptability for police work. From space constraints to the complexities of advanced "smart" features, the practicality of Teslas in patrol scenarios remains contested.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
