The Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department in Westchester County, New York, has added a Tesla Model Y to its fleet of police cars. While the Model 3 has been used as a police vehicle before, this is the first Model Y to be officially revealed as a police vehicle.
The department announced on Facebook that it’s “the first Model Y that has been outfitted with lights, sirens, and a radio for police use – in the whole country (maybe even the world!).” They also say the Model Y has been equipped with a low-profile Whelen CenCom Core Lighting system that features automation and remote connectivity.
As of recent, we have begun to see more an more of Tesla’s vehicles being used for public services. Notable examples include this Model 3 taxi in NYC, as well as as a Model S police car in California, a Model X police car in Australia , and a Cybertruck been ordered by the police in Dubai.
It should be noted that this Model Y won’t be serving as a patrol car but will be assigned to the detective division. That seems to stem mainly from an efficiency and range anxiety standpoint, since the type of driving patrol cars do is more conducive to a heavy fluctuation in range, and the type of driving done by detectives is likely more controlled and calm.
In addition, this is not the first Model Y to be used as a police car, just the first to be officially unveiled. Police departments in Fremont, California and Spokane, Washington have also been testing out the idea, but have yet to officially unveil the cars to the public.
The Model Y in question is a Long Range model, and the Hastings-on-Hudson Police Department estimates a saving of $8,525 in gasoline costs over five years. While it might not sound like much, as more electric vehicles are introduced to the fleet those savings will start to add up. It still begs the question, though, if the extra cost of the Model Y is worth it over the other options.