Somerset, Wisconsin’s police chief explained in depth why his department agreed to go electric with a Tesla Model Y police car and how he anticipates the single electric vehicle to save the town $80,000.
A remarkable number of police departments worldwide have realized that electric vehicles are the ideal solution for lowering operating costs and minimizing the environmental impact of their patrol cars.
Notably, Somerset PD is one of those departments. Like many other departments going electric, they chose Tesla vehicles, specifically the Model Y.
Somerset Police Chief Joel Trepczyk explained why he purchased the Tesla Model Y.
He categorically stated that they chose Model Y for financial purposes in an interview with Police 1 News.
“We specifically choose the Tesla Model Y for the financial benefits.”
Somerset Police Chief Joel Trepczyk
How can the Tesla Model Y benefit the Somerset PD?
The chief enumerated Model Y’s main advantages:
- There will be no oil changes.
- Braking with regenerative energy
- Battery with a range of 500,000 miles
- 1,000,000-mile drivetrains and motors
- The warranty on the drivetrain and battery is five years/125,000 miles.
- The majority are made in the United States.
- The highest possible crash test rating
- Outstanding performance
- Vehicle longevity
Somerset PD prefers the Model Y over the other vehicles
The Model Y cost the department $60,000, though they received some subsidies and assistance in acquiring it. More importantly, Trepczyk thinks Somerset PD will save over $80,000 over the next ten years due to the following cost-cutting measures:
“The vehicle was purchased using American Rescue Plan Act funds. We also applied for funding from an LEA grant, as well as donations to the purchase. The purchase price of the vehicle was around $60,000. More importantly, it’s projected to save our village over $80,000 throughout its 10-year duty cycle.”
Somerset Police Chief Joel Trepczyk
According to the police chief, the officers have preferred the Model Y over the other patrol vehicles.
Distance is not a problem, with a range of about 300 miles. The majority of the officers in the police department travel between 30 and 60 miles per shift.
Electrek reported that the department installed a Tesla Wall Connector at the station to charge the vehicle when necessary.
