LAPD Not Sold on taking the Tesla Model S in its Fleet
LAPD (The Los Angeles Police Department) is not sold on taking Tesla Model S into its range.
Back in 2015, the company sent two Model S P85D vehicles to the LAPD in order the police department could access the car’s performance in its environment. Besides, it had to learn about the positive sides and shortcomings of driving an EV in fleet operation. Vartan Yegiyan, the LAPD Police Administrator, revealed that the Tesla Model S is not practical up to the level yet. However, this situation will probably change in several years. He is sure that prices will go down on EVs and more offerings will come out. What is more important is that the electricity and electrical grid will be more robust. That is why more charging stations will be needed and, therefore, available.
AS far as we know, the Tesla Model S will cost a few times more than, for example, a Police Interceptor SUV from Ford that was based on the Explorer.
The Model S from Tesla is not the only EV tested by the LAPD. The department is also testing the BMW i3. Besides, it has bought half-a-dozen of electric motorcycles and more than 20 electric scooters. They are used by patrol officers.