South Pasadena, a city in Southern California, has taken a significant step towards sustainable policing by becoming the first city in the nation to replace its police patrol cars with electric vehicles. In an effort to protect public health and combat climate change by reducing emissions, the city has unveiled a fleet of 20 new Teslas. This move marks a milestone in sustainable transportation and sets an example for other cities to follow.
One of the key reasons for this switch is the environmental impact of traditional police vehicles. Police cars often idle more than other vehicles during traffic stops or emergency calls, leading to increased emissions. Michael Cacciotti, a city council member and regional air quality official, emphasized the importance of this transition, particularly in the Los Angeles area, which has consistently ranked among the most polluted cities in the nation. By adopting electric vehicles, South Pasadena aims to contribute to improving air quality and reducing harmful emissions.
While some cities have incorporated electric vehicles into their fleets, South Pasadena is the first to fully embrace this transition. This bold move demonstrates the city’s commitment to sustainable practices and is expected to inspire other police departments in the region and beyond to follow suit.
South Pasadena Police Sgt. Tony Abdalla highlighted the city’s proactive approach by mentioning that they are tracking the experiences of about 35 other U.S. agencies that have incorporated Teslas into their fleets. By learning from these experiences, South Pasadena aims to ensure a smooth transition and optimize the usage of electric vehicles in law enforcement.
The city’s fleet will consist of 10 Tesla Model Ys for patrol purposes and 10 Tesla Model 3s for detective and administrative duties. These vehicles have been customized for police use, showcasing the adaptability and versatility of electric vehicles in law enforcement. The total cost of the fleet amounts to $1.85 million, with more than half of the expenses covered by energy providers such as Southern California Edison, the Clean Power Alliance, and the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee. This collaboration between the city and energy providers highlights the shared goal of promoting sustainability and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Aside from the environmental benefits, the switch to electric vehicles is expected to save South Pasadena approximately $4,000 per vehicle annually in energy costs. Additionally, electric vehicles offer cost savings in terms of maintenance, including reductions in expenses for brakes, oil changes, and air filters. Police Chief Brian Solinsky emphasized that the overall operational cost per mile will be at least half of what it was previously with gas-powered vehicles. These financial savings further reinforce the advantages of electric vehicle adoption for police fleets.
The decision to transition to electric vehicles aligns with California’s Advanced Clean Fleets rule, which requires public agencies to ensure that 50% of their vehicle purchases are zero-emissions vehicles as of this year and 100% by 2027. However, police cars and other emergency vehicles are currently exempt from this rule. South Pasadena’s proactive approach not only exceeds the requirements but also demonstrates the potential for sustainability in law enforcement.
Beyond the financial and environmental benefits, the adoption of electric patrol vehicles in South Pasadena exemplifies a commitment to building a 21st-century police force that prioritizes safety, sustainability, and fiscal responsibility. Mayor Evelyn Zneimer expressed her enthusiasm for this transition, stating that the city will have a police force that is safe, clean, and saves taxpayer dollars.
As South Pasadena paves the way for sustainable policing, it serves as a shining example for other cities to follow. By embracing electric vehicles, cities can contribute to cleaner air, reduced emissions, and a more sustainable future. The success of South Pasadena’s initiative could inspire other police departments to make the switch, ultimately leading to a greener and more eco-friendly law enforcement landscape across the nation.