Are you considering a TESLA for your police / security / municipal fleet?
Now in 2023 you would be doing a disservice to your organization if you didn't consider an electric vehicle.
While many electric vehicles could be good options for specific applications, we believe Tesla vehicles provide the highest degree of performance, safety, reliability, and charging capability.
This presentation is to provide decision makers and decision influencers with information to help make an informed decision, and help present that information to others.
This is a guide to summarize key points and to provide resources that will enable continued research. We encourage you to continue this journey and deep-dive into topics that are of greatest concern to you.
Model 3 Performance: | Model 3 RWD: | ||
---|---|---|---|
0-60 mph: | 3.1 sec | - | 5.8 sec |
Top Speed: | 162 mph | - | 140mph |
Lateral acceleration: | 0.96 g (9 m/s²) | - | - |
Braking 62-0 mph: | 110 ft | - | - |
Turning Circle: | 38 ft | - | 38 ft |
Drive: | AWD | - | RWD |
Best Use: | Patrol / Pursuit | - | Patrol / Admin |
Model Y Performance: | Model Y Long Range: | ||
0-60 mph: | 3.5 sec | 4.8 sec | - |
Top Speed: | 155 mph | 135 mph | - |
Lateral acceleration: | 0.95 g (9 m/s²) | - | - |
Braking 62-0 mph: | 117 ft | - | - |
Turning Circle: | 40 ft | 40 ft | - |
Drive: | AWD | AWD | - |
Best Use: | Patrol / Pursuit | Patrol / Admin | - |
* Performance will vary with tire choice and conditions.
Tesla's acceleration is instantaneous - being an electric vehicle, it's never in the wrong gear or at the wrong RPM. You never wait for an engine to rev up or a turbo to spool up. When you step on the accelerator it responds immediately, from any speed - unlike anything else.
Teslas are among the safest cars in the world. The Tesla Model 3 achieved a "Good" rating (the highest rating) in all six IIHS crash tests. It achieved "Superior" ratings for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-pedestrian crash avoidance, and an Advanced rating for vehicle-to-pedestrian avoidance. Both the Model 3 and Model Y are IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rated, the highest rating possible.
IIHS - Model 3 Top Safety Pick+Police officers have a dangerous enough job already, they deserve to drive the safest vehicles on the road.
Tesla vehicles are known for their high performance, with fast acceleration and responsive handling. This makes them well-suited for pursuits and other high-speed situations. In addition, Tesla's autopilot feature could potentially be used in certain tactical scenarios to reduce the risk to officers. Here is a list of some key points that uniquely benefit police forces:
1) At the police station, using an EVSE (or "Destination Charger") which is the box that safely provides AC power to the car. There are numerous devices from portable ones, to wall-mount, to bollard mount. We recommend 240 volt or 208 volt power, of at least 40 amps (requiring a 50 amp circuit) for each vehicle you need to charge in parallel. This is the primary method you should plan to use. While an up-front investment is required to install the circuits and stations, the savings will pay back over time.
2) At fast-charging stations, AKA Tesla Superchargers. If you have any of these red-and-white units in your area, they can be used for a much faster charge in certain scenarios.
There are several ways in which the lower total cost of ownership of a Tesla vehicle can benefit police departments:
Overall, the total cost of ownership of a Tesla vehicle can be lower than that of a traditional gas-powered vehicle. This can result in significant savings for police departments, allowing them to allocate their budgets towards other important areas such as community programs, training, and equipment upgrades.
In general, electric vehicles like the Tesla Model Y have fewer maintenance needs compared to traditional gasoline-powered cars like the Ford Explorer. Unlike gasoline cars, Tesla vehicles require no traditional oil changes, fuel filters, spark plug replacements or emission checks. Here's a comparison of their maintenance schedules:
Tesla Model Y:As you can see, the Tesla Model Y requires fewer routine maintenance tasks, mainly due to its simpler electric drivetrain. Electric cars have fewer moving parts that can wear out over time, such as belts, exhaust systems, and spark plugs. Importantly, electric drivetrains also don't undergo the extreme stresses, vibrations, and high temperatures that combustion engines produce. This translates to reduced maintenance costs for Tesla vehicles, as well as less time spent at the mechanic.
The benefits of reduced maintenance in a Tesla are twofold: cost and convenience. Without the need for frequent fluid changes and other routine maintenance tasks, Teslas can save money over the lifetime of the vehicle. Additionally, you don't have to worry about scheduling and taking their car in for maintenance as often, which can take cars off of routine patrol for long periods.
Moreover, the electric drivetrain in a Tesla is generally more reliable and durable than a traditional gasoline engine, further reducing the chances of unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. In summary, reduced maintenance requirements are one of the many benefits of owning an electric vehicle like a Tesla Model Y.
Warranty Information:
Model 3 Rear Wheel Drive:
8 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity over the warranty period.
Model 3 Performance, Model Y Performance, Model Y Long Range:
8 years or 120,000 miles, whichever comes first, with minimum 70% retention of Battery capacity over the warranty period.
A Tesla vehicle can benefit others in the local community in several ways, including:
Dallas County, Texas
Dallas County to buy 3 Tesla electric vehicles for county fleet
More and more police forces are choosing Tesla. Utilizing electric vehicles requires a change of mindset which can be hard to overcome, but the benefits are numerous. Most concerns against electric vehicles are outdated or misinformed - hopefully this guide has dispelled some myths.
To continue this journey, you may want to invite a Tesla gallery salesperson or Tesla owning member of the community to showcase their vehicle, or schedule a test drive for hands-on experience.