Photo: Kevin Clark / The Herald
The Mukilteo, Washington, Police Department has added Tesla Model Y to its fleet. The vehicle is their fourth Tesla purchased as part of its “green fleet” initiative.
In July 2022, the Mukilteo, Washington, Police Department welcomed Tesla Model Y to their fleet, The Daily Herald reports (via Tesla North). The electric car was their fourth Tesla, which was acquired as part of the “green fleet” initiative. PD now has three Model Ys and one Model 3. Two Model Ys and a Model 3, whose colors are not revealed, are used unmarked by detectives.
The latest Model Y also has no obvious identification marks, which has become an additional weapon for catching violators. This was the first Tesla involved in road traffic. The car was converted and its total cost, including the cage, lights, and other crime-fighting equipment, was about $75,000.
“That’s about the same cost that we have budgeted for the patrol SUVs to get them all outfitted,” Police Chief Cheol Kang said.
This vehicle was originally purchased for the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office pilot patrol in 2021. The Model Y was later reassigned as an investigative vehicle. There are currently not enough fast-charging stations in the county to use it as a patrol vehicle. That is why Model Y was reassigned to Mukilteo, where there are enough charging stations. “There are currently not enough rapid charging stations throughout the county for this vehicle to be used on patrol,” sheriff spokesperson Courtney O’Keefe said in an email.
The new Tesla Model Y at the Mukilteo PD replaced a 2013 Ford Interceptor sedan. The car impresses with its innovation and high tech. “The Tesla is basically a giant computer that they built a car around,” Kang said.
Tesla Model Y gets high marks for performance. The car can handle a 10-hour work shift while still having some charge left, and is fully charged overnight to be ready for the next shift. In addition, it accelerates quickly and has high maneuverability. “It goes 0-to-60 miles an hour in 3.5-4 seconds,” traffic officer Al Gonzalez said. “It handles really well around curves.”
© 2022, Eva Fox | Tesmanian. All rights reserved.
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About the Author
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.
