First in the U.S., Southern California city deploys Tesla all-electric police fleet
On July 29, South Pasadena made history by launching the first fully electric police vehicle fleet in the U.S., marking a transformative step toward achieving the city’s zero-emission goals.
At the opening ceremony, attended by local government officials and representatives from partnering organizations, the city showcased its all-Tesla fleet along with the newly installed charging infrastructure. The fleet comprises 20 Tesla vehicles—10 Model Y patrol cars and 10 Model 3 units designated for investigations and administrative tasks. These vehicles have been specially outfitted with essential law enforcement equipment.
Mayor Evelyn Zneimer emphasized that this significant transition underscores the city’s commitment to sustainable development, driven by prudent financial management and a strong sense of environmental responsibility. She highlighted the potential for substantial savings, estimating around $4,000 in energy costs per vehicle annually, along with a noteworthy reduction in maintenance expenses. Police Chief Brian Solinsky added that the operating costs for these electric vehicles would be at least half of those for traditional gas-powered cars.
Reflecting on nearly a decade of efforts, Solinsky expressed pride in how advanced technology and persistent dedication have culminated in this achievement. Congresswoman Judy Chu noted the broader implications of this shift, pointing out that moving to zero-emission vehicles not only cuts down on carbon emissions but also leads to financial savings. She also highlighted the Biden administration’s investment in electric vehicle infrastructure, which bolstered her support for crucial legislation like the bipartisan Infrastructure Bill and the Inflation Reduction Act.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger commended the South Pasadena Police Department for setting a new benchmark in law enforcement and anticipates that this initiative will motivate other cities to embrace clean energy solutions. Councilman Michael Cacciotti framed this milestone as part of the city’s sustained environmental efforts and its strategic green development.
In addition, South Pasadena plans to install renewable solar energy and battery storage systems to maintain essential services during power outages. Funding for the electrification initiative has been a collaborative effort among various government partners. Nearly $500,000 was provided by the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee (MSRC), while Southern California Edison contributed around $530,000 for infrastructure upgrades through its Charge Ready program. Additionally, the Clean Energy Coalition supplied solar and battery storage systems at no cost through its Power Ready Program. The city allocated $1.85 million from its own budget primarily towards purchasing electric vehicle chargers and leasing costs for fleet management.
To ensure effective cost management and long-term maintenance, the city has teamed up with fleet management company UP.FIT. Their advanced software will aid in monitoring charging schedules and maintenance needs for the electric police fleet.
The opening ceremony was well attended, signifying a historic moment in South Pasadena’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and innovation.