Posted on Tuesday July 30th, 2024
In a groundbreaking move, the South Pasadena Police Department has transitioned to an all-electric fleet, making it the first city in the nation to do so. The department's fleet now consists of 20 Teslas, marking a significant step toward sustainability and fiscal efficiency.
Transition to Electric:
The transition to a zero-emission police fleet began a decade ago with the city council's vision to replace gasoline-powered vehicles with electric ones. Police Chief Brian Solinsky highlighted that the new fleet will not only save the city funds but also provide the safest and best-performing vehicles available.
“These police cars have been meticulously designed with a focus on safety, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility,” Solinsky said.
Community Support and Praise:
The unveiling of the new fleet was celebrated by city officials and community leaders. Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger praised the initiative, saying, "Projects like this will inspire others to take steps toward clean energy. The South Pasadena Police Department is truly, truly the gold standard."
Mayor Evelyn Zneimer also emphasized the multifaceted benefits of the transition, noting the city's commitment to saving money, keeping the air clean, and leveraging over $1 million in contributions from project partners.
Fleet Details and Savings:
The fleet includes 10 Tesla Model Ys for patrol vehicles and 10 Tesla Model 3s for detective and administrative duties. This switch is expected to save about $4,000 per year per vehicle on energy costs. The operational costs of the electric vehicles are projected to be at least half the per-mile cost of gasoline-powered vehicles. Unlike gasoline engines, which need to run continuously to power emergency lights, radios, and other equipment, electric vehicles can operate emissions-free while stationary and in motion.
To support the new fleet, a bank of 34 electric vehicle chargers has been installed at South Pasadena City Hall.
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