California city’s Tesla fleet becomes first in nation to go all-electric

The new fleet consists of 20 Tesla Model Y “pursuit “and Model 3 administrative vehicles. Model Y’s are the larger SUVs, and the Model 3 is a sedan. They will rely on a bank of new electric vehicle chargers installed at South Pasadena City Hall.

You won’t be seeing these in the Tesla dealer showroom — bullet-resistant panels, a geo-fenced, high-visibility emergency lighting package, and improved prisoner seating. Sirens.

The South Pasadena Police Department on Monday, July 29, unveiled what was said to be the nation’s first all-electric police fleet in front of City Hall.

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“Today marks a significant milestone,” said Police Chief Brian Solinsky, showing of his department’s new fleet in a christening that included several local leaders, including South Pasadena Mayor Evelyn Zneimer, L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, and Assemblymember Mike Fong, D-Alhambra, and U.S. Rep Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park.

The new fleet consists of 20 Tesla Model Y “pursuit “and Model 3 administrative vehicles. Model Y’s are the larger SUVs, and the Model 3 is a sedan. They will rely on a bank of new electric vehicle chargers installed at South Pasadena City Hall.

“This transition reflects the city’s vision of a sustainable future based on both sound fiscal management and environmental stewardship,” South Pasadena Mayor Evelyn Zneimer said. “We will have a 21st Century police force that is safe, clean and saves taxpayer dollars.”

South Pasadena’s City Council approved the transition to an all-electric police fleet in September 2022 as part of the city’s participation in Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready Program and a lease agreement with Enterprise Fleet Management.

Leaders praised what they said was the minimal cost to the city’s finances, and to the environment.

Funding for the project, which includes the 20 Tesla vehicles and 36 supporting EV Charger Ports, totaled $1.3 million, from SCE and Clean Transportation Funding. To further support police fleet charging with no cost to member agencies, the Clean Power Alliance’s Power Ready Program is installing a solar system with battery storage as a backup source of energy, given the possibility of an outage.

Councilmember Michael Cacciotti stressed the ability for the transition to save taxpayers “thousands in high-fuel maintenance cost” and, at the same time, “fight the climate crisis, reduce air pollution and dependence on foreign oil.

Officials said the electrified fleet will also improve officer safety, reduce operational and maintenance costs, and reduce carbon emissions. They touted the Tesla Model Y’s high government safety ratings.

The transition is expected to save about $4,000 a year per vehicle on energy costs, compared with vehicles with internal combustion engines.

In keeping with the city’s 2030 reduction target of carbon dioxide emissions, the transition is expected to reduce 10% of these total greenhouse gas emissions.

Solinsky detailed the beginnings of the city’s decade-long initiative to enhance air quality by transitioning to a zero-emission vehicle fleet.

Through partnerships with industry experts and conducting more research, SPPD is now able to present police vehicles that focus on safety, efficiency, and fiscal responsibility, Solinsky stated.

A key component of the project was the construction of 34 chargers at South Pasadena City Hall. Southern California Edison upgraded its local distribution system to supply the higher level of power needed to energize the vehicles, according to city officials.

Local transitions to more energy-efficient infrastructure have made way since President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was enacted, officials said.

“The climate crisis is here,” U.S Rep. Judy Chu said. “Projects like these are why I was so proud to vote for historic legislation, like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. Under the Biden-Harris administration, we’ve dedicated billions of dollars to installing electric vehicle infrastructure and making EVs affordable,” Chu stated.

City representatives and project partners celebrated the courageous efforts of local leaders to make these greener initiatives possible.

“This isn’t just an accidental happening. This is a group of people who really “walk the walk” and inspire others to go green.” said state Sen. Anthony Portantino, D-Glendale. Despite South Pasadena being a small city, Portantino stated, he hopes this will be start a “tidal wave” for more sustainable cities.

Speakers also emphasized their hope for South Pasadena to lead the way for police departments across the nation to transition to an all-electric fleet.

“I look forward to driving through the city, at the speed limit, and seeing this fleet keeping our streets safe and clean,” Barger said.

City News Service contributed to this report.