The police in California, USA, have decided to replace part of their fleet with electric vehicles from Tesla as part of an environmental initiative, but the change has faced criticism.
+ Tesla’s CyberTrailer: a luxurious off-grid trailer set to begin production in 2025
Officers have reported operational difficulties, such as the time required to charge the batteries during operations and the discomfort caused by the car designs.
The Menlo Park Police Department, for example, purchased three Tesla Model Y vehicles, but officers stated that the size of the vehicle and its autopilot functions make some maneuvers difficult, such as driving on sidewalks.
Furthermore, the interior space of the vehicles has been an issue for officers, with equipment like belts and vests encroaching on passenger space, which can compromise the transport of officers or prisoners. This also limits the training of new recruits, who need to spend long hours in the car alongside more experienced officers.
Other California cities, such as Ukiah, have faced similar issues with Teslas, including a lack of chargers and restricted space for transporting prisoners.
In contrast, the Fort Bragg Police Department, which opted for electric Ford F-150 Lightning trucks, reported better results. Police Chief Neil Cervenka noted that Tesla vehicles are still not suitable for law enforcement, suggesting that other electric options may be more effective.
Nonetheless, the cities involved remain committed to achieving their environmental goals despite the challenges encountered.
Source: Mirror | Photo: Instagram @irvinepolice | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team