Model 3

Tesla Model 3 Joins the Redding, CA Police Department Fleet

Tesla Model 3 Joins the Redding, CA Police Department Fleet

Photo: @SanteSuzie/Twitter

The California Redding Police Department (RPD) has purchased a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus RWD as a patrol vehicle through the REU's GHG Fleet Electrification Program, in line with intentions made public in 2020.

The issue of buying a Tesla car to replenish the Redding California Police Department was actively on the city's agenda in 2020. The city council debated the feasibility of the purchase and saw it as a way to cut fuel and maintenance costs. Eventually, the Tesla Model 3 purchase was approved and the vehicle joined the city police fleet.


The Tesla vehicle is used for patrols, parades, and community events. Its total cost is estimated at $55,000, which includes $10,000 to prepare and outfit the vehicle with emergency equipment, $3,000 to add RPD decals and wrap the vehicle, and $500 for the required Tesla charger, which was paid through REU's GHG Fleet Electrification Program.


Source: Redding Police Department

The city of Redding wrote:

"The total cost of the proposed vehicle is equivalent to the total cost of the most current patrol vehicles purchased by RPD Additionally, various law enforcement agencies presently using a Tesla are realizing an average savings in fuel and maintenance costs of between $7,000 and $9,000 annually."

Buying a Tesla Model 3 allows RPD to test an all-electric vehicle as a patrol car. Several police departments are already using Tesla cars in patrol operations. Tesla is currently the leader in all-electric police vehicles, and the company is constantly working to improve their design and functionality for this purpose.

It should be noted that several other brands and models of all-electric vehicles were considered prior to purchase, including the 2020 Hyundai Kona EV, 2020 Toyota Mirai, 2020 Kia Niro EV, however Tesla Model 3 had important advantages over others, so was chosen.

"After careful consideration, the Tesla Model 3 was found to be the best option for the specific intended use based on the vehicle's design features, current use as a patrol vehicle with other agencies, availability of emergency equipment, feasibility for the assignment, and the cost of the vehicle. Base price for the Tesla is $37,990 before taxes and fees."

© 2022, Eva Fox | Tesmanian. All rights reserved.

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


About the Author

Eva Fox

Eva Fox

Eva Fox joined Tesmanian in 2019 to cover breaking news as an automotive journalist. The main topics that she covers are clean energy and electric vehicles. As a journalist, Eva is specialized in Tesla and topics related to the work and development of the company.

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