In an effort to move towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future, the City of South Pasadena’s police fleet has made the decision to go all electric. This decision will make them the first police fleet in the U.S. to have a fleet consisting solely of electric vehicles (EVs). The fleet will consist of 20 Teslas, with 10 Tesla Model Ys designated as patrol vehicles and 10 Model 3s for detective and administrative duties. The project is estimated to cost the city $1.85 million, with a significant portion of the funding coming from partners.
### Transition to Electric
The South Pasadena Police Department’s decision to transition to an all-electric fleet demonstrates their commitment to a sustainable future. Mayor Evelyn Zneimer expressed the city’s vision of environmental stewardship and sound fiscal management in making this change. By making this transition, the city is taking a significant step towards reducing its carbon footprint and promoting cleaner transportation options.
### Benefits of Electric Vehicles
Switching to electric vehicles offers numerous benefits for the police department and the city as a whole. Chief Brian Solinsky highlighted the opportunity to acquire a cutting-edge vehicle fleet with the adoption of EVs. The transition is expected to result in cost savings on energy and maintenance, with the EV fleet being significantly more cost-effective than traditional gas-powered cars. The move towards electric vehicles also aligns with the city council’s vision of a “21st century police force,” emphasizing innovation and sustainability in their operations.
### Funding and Support
The transition to an all-electric police fleet has received significant support from various partners and organizations. Clean Transportation Funding from the Mobile Source Air Pollution Reduction Review Committee and funding from Southern California Edison’s Charge Ready program are contributing to the project. The Clean Power Alliance’s Power Ready Program is providing solar and battery storage systems to support the charging infrastructure. With over half of the funding for the project coming from these partners, the city’s net expense for the project is $1.85 million.
### Infrastructure and Sustainability
To support the electric police fleet, South Pasadena has installed a bank of 34 electric chargers at City Hall. Additional chargers are planned for the police station and fire station, ensuring that the vehicles can be charged efficiently. The charging infrastructure is further supported by a solar-powered system with battery storage, which will ensure continuous power delivery even during power outages. This commitment to sustainability and resilience in the charging infrastructure is crucial for the successful deployment of the electric police fleet.
### Setting a Precedent
The decision by the City of South Pasadena to transition its police fleet to all electric sets a significant precedent for other police departments and municipalities across the country. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of electrifying police fleets, South Pasadena is leading the way in sustainable law enforcement practices. The move towards electric vehicles not only reduces carbon emissions and promotes environmental sustainability but also showcases the potential for cost savings and efficiency in police operations. As other cities and police departments consider electrifying their fleets, the example set by South Pasadena serves as a model for future innovation and sustainability in law enforcement.