Photo: Yang Shao/Linkedin

Fremont PD has taken out the Tesla Model Y for testing as a patrol vehicle. The decision to buy another electric vehicle from the American manufacturer came after testing Model S, which saved thousands of dollars in charging and maintenance costs.

The Fremont Police Department tested a Tesla Model S 85 adapted for duty as a patrol vehicle from March 2019 to March 2020. According to the results, Model S exceeded performance and operational goals. The vehicle withstood the harsh conditions of police use. In addition, the Model S required only minor maintenance and became very cost-effective in terms of overall vehicle cost, maintenance, and fuel economy compared to gasoline counterparts.

Encouraged by the results, and in an effort to make the air in the city cleaner, Fremont PD purchased a Tesla Model Y for $57,126. The compact crossover was perfect for the PD because its cabin was more spacious than in Model S and also had more trunk space. The key differences between Model S and Model Y noted by the police management are 4" more rear legroom, 7.8 cubic feet of additional cargo space, and a much higher cargo bay, allowing for installation of a gun safe or a patrol sergeant's writing and storage stack. Model Y is roomier on the inside, but 9 inches shorter and 1.7 inches narrower than Model S, allowing it to fit in narrower spaces.

In November 2020, Fremont PD announced via Twitter that it acquired the Model Y several months ago and is in the early process of having it outfitted as its second patrol vehicle.

Yes, as the report mentions we purchased a Model Y a few months ago. We are in the early process of having it outfitted as our second @Tesla patrol vehicle. pic.twitter.com/wrQKTEz2vq

— Fremont Police Department (@FremontPD) November 21, 2020

Now Drive Tesla Canada noticed that Yang Shao, Senior Director, Quality Operations at LakePharma, Inc., has shared a photo of the already converted patrol vehicle Model Y on LinkedIn. In the description of the photo, he wrote: "Welcome Fremont PD's second patrol car made by Tesla!" In addition, he tagged Lily Mei, Mayor at the City of Fremont, and wrote in a comment that Fremont is a city of innovation, which she liked.

At the moment, Fremont PD has not yet made an official announcement about the entry of the new cruiser into active service. Therefore, the image in Shao's post is the first photo of the police department’s Tesla Model Y.

© 2021, Eva Fox | Tesmanian. All rights reserved.

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Article edited by @SmokeyShorts, you can follow him on Twitter

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