Calif. PD to test other electric cruisers after Tesla ‘smart’ features interfere with police activity

By Joanna Putman
Police1

MENLO PARK, Calif. — The Menlo Park City Council is reevaluating its use of Tesla vehicles for police patrol following a pilot program that revealed several operational challenges, The Almanac reported.

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Initiated as part of the city’s goal to become carbon neutral by 2030, the program tested Tesla Model Ys as patrol vehicles, according to the report. Officials stated that the department encountered issues with vehicle outfitting, smart features and ergonomic constraints for officers.

During a council meeting, it was reported that although Teslas offered impressive acceleration and speed, the modifications required to transform these cars into suitable patrol vehicles presented significant hurdles.

The base price of the Tesla Model Y was $64,270 and upgrades and outfitting cost the city $38,482 per car, the city disclosed. The hybrid Ford Explorers currently in use cost an estimated $72,844 total per car, including the base price and upfitting.

Officers said that their weapon access was restricted by the center console, the car’s lights would time out at night, the cars locked themselves without a key inside and that autopilot would occasionally interfere with pursuit driving, according to the report. The Tesla outfitter reported that it was unable to alter these features as a part of Tesla’s central operating system.

RELATED: Calif. company rolls out Tesla Cybertruck patrol vehicle

“I am very proud that we tried the Teslas, and not everything works,” Council member Betsy Nash stated, acknowledging the trial-and-error nature of the initiative.

The city plans to continue using the Tesla vehicles it has but will also explore other electric vehicles, including a newly approved Chevrolet Blazer, set for deployment by early 2025, according to the report.