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LAPD Going Green With Electric Tesla & BMW Police Cars

The Los Angeles Police Department is introducing both the environmental friendly Tesla Model S P85D and BMW i3 electric vehicles to their police fleet, according to a recent press conference announcement by Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti.

The city has invested a lot into the upgrades according to Garcetti, who said that the new vehicles will make Los Angeles “home to the largest city-owned fleet of pure battery electric vehicles anywhere in the country.” He continued, stating that in the long term the investment will pay off, saving taxpayers money.

Police in Los Angeles already use sixty seven EVs, three fully electric motorcycles and twenty-three electric scooters to get around. Soon, 288 new leased vehicles will be added to their collection of environmental friendly transports, including 160 pure battery EV vehicles and 128 plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

Of the 160 pure battery EVs, 100 will be dedicated to the LAPD. The others will be split between other city departments, including the General Services, Water, and Fire Departments.

“The LAPD is proud to be among the law enforcement agencies leading the way to sustainability with the use of electric vehicles,” Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck stated.

USA Today reported that BMW was “thrilled” at the decision to incorporate the i3 into the police motor pool, who quoted BMW plug-in car manager Christine Fleischer as saying the decision illustrates how versatile and sustainable the BMW i3 is. “The i3 is a brilliant fit with the technology-driven research philosophy of the LAPD,” Fleischer said.

As for Tesla, it makes sense why they are an attractive option for law enforcement.  The car is fast.  The P85D can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 3.1 seconds.  It also an EPA-rated range of 270 miles according to InsideEVs.  On the highway, it will likely last 8 hours on one 20 minute charge.  Let’s not forget how quiet electric cars are, allowing the officer to concentrate more on his or her surroundings.

However, the end game for the LAPD seems to be one out of concern for the environment.

“EVs make environmental and economic sense to the City of Los Angeles,” said LADWP General Manager Marcie Edwards.

The city plans on purchasing even more electric vehicles in the future to replace their older cars that run off gasoline.

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