California’s rush to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) under Gov. Gavin Newsom’s radical zero-emission mandate is proving to be a costly experiment—especially for law enforcement agencies. Police departments across the state are spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars on Teslas, only to discover that the flashy electric cars are “nearly unusable” as squad cars.
The mandate, signed into law in 2020, requires all vehicles sold in California to be zero-emission by 2035. In typical California fashion, cities have been quick to comply, but the results are already raising serious concerns. Instead of investing in practical solutions for law enforcement, some departments are splurging on high-end electric cars that simply can’t get the job done.
Take the city of Irvine, for example. It spent an eye-popping $150,000 on a Tesla Cybertruck—*not* for patrol duties, but for turning heads in anti-drug D.A.R.E. programs. Taxpayers are rightfully outraged that their money is being used for photo-ops rather than protecting the community.
Other departments, however, have tried to integrate Teslas as active patrol vehicles, with far less impressive results. The Menlo Park Police Department, located just six miles from Tesla’s headquarters, purchased three Tesla Model Ys for $50,000 each, only to find them unfit for the rigors of police work. Chief David Norris bluntly admitted they’re not the “patrol cars of the future,” despite all the hype surrounding EVs.
While officers liked the Teslas’ acceleration and steering, these benefits couldn’t outweigh the serious drawbacks. The cars struggled with basic tasks like going off-road or jumping curbs, essential in many police situations. The autopilot feature, which is supposed to enhance safety, actually caused delays, with the vehicle stopping at inconvenient times. The cramped cabins were another issue, making it difficult for officers to fit inside with their bulletproof vests and duty belts—a basic requirement for any squad car.
The problems don’t stop there. Ukiah, the largest city in Mendocino County, also joined the Tesla bandwagon, spending $150,000 on two modified Tesla Model 3s. However, there’s only one shop that can make the necessary modifications, and it’s 500 miles away, meaning these cars could be out of service for months at a time. How is that supposed to help fight crime?
Ukiah’s Police Chief Cedric Crook also pointed out another glaring issue: range anxiety. Officers often need to transport suspects, prisoners, or victims long distances, which could easily exceed the Tesla’s range without requiring a lengthy stop to charge. Add to that the fact that the Tesla only has room for one prisoner, and it’s clear this EV isn’t suited for police work.
A critical safety concern also stands out. Police officers are trained to use an engine block as cover during a gunfight, but Teslas, being electric, lack this basic protection. “I’m not ready to put an officer in a Tesla,” Crook said, and who can blame him?
Meanwhile, some departments, like Fort Bragg’s, have opted for more practical electric options, choosing the Ford F-150 Lightning. As the most popular trucks in America, they’re easier to modify and repair than the Teslas, which require a specialized technician. According to Fort Bragg’s Chief Neil Cervenka, Teslas are simply “tricky” to work with, and repairs can leave them out of service for too long.
Cervenka’s experience suggests that electric adoption isn’t necessarily a lost cause for law enforcement—but Teslas certainly are. His advice? “Tesla isn’t the right answer in the law enforcement market currently for electric adoption, but there might be better options.”
The verdict is clear: California’s obsession with zero-emission vehicles is forcing police departments into buying expensive, impractical Teslas, wasting taxpayer money and jeopardizing public safety. It’s time for some common sense.
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