A Tesla Model S Is Coming To The LAPD Fleet, And It'll Be A Proper Patrol Car

All sorts of weird and wonderful cars are given a police livery and a set of blue flashing lights for the sake of promotional purposes, but this latest addition to the LAPD fleet will be a proper, serving patrol car
A Tesla Model S Is Coming To The LAPD Fleet, And It'll Be A Proper Patrol Car

After being loaned a pair of Model S Teslas earlier in the year to see how well they handle the mean streets of Los Angeles, the LAPD will turn one into a fully-fledged patrol car. We’re talking lights, a shotgun rack - the works.

The move - reported by CNBC - comes as a surprise to a certain extent, as the police force had previously poured cold water on the prospect of the Model S being put into service, partly due fears of the cars becoming useless in the event of a power outage.

The second reason was the cost per unit, and that’s why we’re seeing just one Model S converted for patrol usage for now.

It’s all down to the LAPD’s efforts to start making the switch to electric vehicles, which is why the force recently took delivery of 100 BMW i3s for non-emergency roles. Once EV technology gets cheaper over the next few years, it’ll get easier for the LAPD to add cars like the Model S to its fleet in greater numbers.

So, miscreants of LA, you may find yourselves chased down by near-silent EV police missiles before too long…

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Comments

RoyP

They won’t hear it coming, which is nice

10/18/2016 - 14:20 |
19 | 1
Edrian1011

What if there is a pursuit, then it runs out of battery? Time to invent a portable charger /power bank (like the ones used for cellphones) for cars! :D xD

10/18/2016 - 14:20 |
2 | 1
RoyP
10/18/2016 - 14:21 |
63 | 1
Aaron Dawson

How to escape cops: Have a range of +315 miles

10/18/2016 - 14:21 |
173 | 2
Michael R. T. Jensen

New feature: AutoCop, complete with handsfree pit maneuver ability.

10/18/2016 - 14:22 |
79 | 2
nonayabisnis

Now all the donut shops will be setting up Tesla superchargers to keep the cops and the batteries full

10/18/2016 - 14:23 |
59 | 1
Anonymous

Only thing they’ll hear is the siren

10/18/2016 - 14:23 |
3 | 0
Anonymous

Reality of Demolition Man have arrived. The Tesla looks better

10/18/2016 - 14:31 |
11 | 0
Anonymous

In the next Need for Speed you’ll instantly win every police chase by using the EMP ;)

10/18/2016 - 14:37 |
37 | 0
Anonymous

OMG! I’ve just read:
A Tesla Model S Is Coming To The LAPD Fleet, And It’ll Be A Proper PETROL Car

10/18/2016 - 14:49 |
7 | 1

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