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Police departments around the country are starting to replace gas-powered vehicles with electric and the early results are very promising. One case study is Newport, KY. Their EV adoption demonstrates a cost-conscious upgrade path that meets both operational needs and fiscal demands. Police departments around the country are seeing clear savings at purchase and at the plug. Other benefits include improved environmental outcomes at idle-heavy scenes, and added safety technology for evidence management. Most departs are building experience with low-risk assignments today, while preparing the infrastructure and vehicle choices needed for broader EV patrol deployment tomorrow.
This has led to a lot of interesting, nationwide social media buzz about local police departments introducing EVs into their fleets. The following in a good Reddit dialog about the Austin, TX police department and their introduction of Chevy Blazer EVs into their fleet. 
“I am the Lead Driving Instructor for APD and I’m testing/developing training to put the new Chevy Blazer EV PPV (police pursuit vehicle) on the streets here in Austin, TX. I’m pretty impressed with it so far. Performance is pretty great and as far as my research has found, we are one of the first large departments to put this vehicle into the fleet. Charging is definitely one of the primary challenges. We mostly run Ford Explorers with Ford Tauruses, Chevy Tahoes, and some F-150s sprinkled around. I am collecting info for our training and the roll out so if your department uses Chevy Blazer EVs, please share your experiences. I will say it is a good-looking vehicle IMO and the thing is actually quite comfortable with full duty gear on a 10-hour shift.”
ThatBloodyPinko made a comment about convincing doubters:
“Probably the only thing that will convince grumpy minds resistant to change is putting them in the driver’s seat.”
Bobmcjoepants offered thoughts about best EV law enforcement use cases:
“I was in one of the suburbs of Detroit and an unmarked version came screaming (er, whirring?) by following a SWAT truck (note: Detroit). For a SWAT, rapid response, or detective vehicle, it makes perfect sense. For regular patrol operations, I think you’re going to have issues with the constant need to charge which will limit its usefulness significantly.”
No-Salary8033 made another comment about how his police department uses EVs:
“My department just got a blazer EV as well. We sometimes work two-man cars. It is way too small for that. We use it for traffic enforcement instead.”
A growing list of police departments are introducing electric vehicles into their fleets for patrol, pursuit, and administrative uses. These include Newport, KY, Austin, TX, Palo Alto, CA, Sterling Heights, MN, Palos Heights, IL, Keny, NY, and Oakland, OH. 
So far, the most popular EVs being introduced into police fleets are from Chevy, Ford, Rivian, and Tesla. Tesla Model 3 sedans are well suited for traffic and detective work, while Tesla Model Y crossovers serve as versatile city units. Chevrolet’s Blazer EV Police Pursuit Vehicle is entering service for pursuit rated patrols. Police departments are finding the Ford Mustang Mach E to be a good fit for urban response, and the F 150 Lightning for utility roles and towing. Some police departments are testing the Rivian R1S for snow, trails, and high clearance needs.
Newport, KY Police Department Case Study
Let’s take a closer look at the Newport, KY police department. They describe themselves as a regional first mover by choosing electric vehicles as a strategic response to post-pandemic costs. They frame the decision to purchase four Tesla Model 3s as a practical move, citing overall affordability, predictable energy prices, and a desire to modernize the fleet while managing taxpayer dollars responsibly.
The three base level Tesla Model 3s replaced aging gas-powered vehicles. Public records show that the base Model 3s were purchased for about $30,000, while comparable Dodge Charger or Chevy Durango police vehicles range from $47,000 to $48,000. The department concluded that acquisition costs favor EV adoption for suitable duties.
After acquisition, the operational costs heavily favor electric. A typical gas fill-up for a Dodge Durango patrol car costs about $75, while a full charge for a Tesla at onsite chargers costs about $15. Typical driving patterns mean a single charge lasts roughly a week. Even running emergency lights for about three hours consumes only about one percent of the battery.
Operational costs are further reduced from regenerative braking and fewer wear items. Regen slows the car when the driver lifts off the accelerator, which reduces use of the brake pedal. The department expects less wear on pads, rotors, and even some tire wear, which lowers service interruptions and long-term costs.
Actual Fleet Operational Cost Comparison Figures
The Newport, KY Police Department shared its costs publicly and the results are very compelling. They should be considered by any fleet considering the introduction of electric vehicles. At the end of five years, the Newport Police Department expects to save taxpayers over $148,000 from the replacement of four Dodge Durangos with four Teslas. 
NEWPORT TESLA VEHICLE COSTS    
Base Purchase Price: $40,630 
Upfitting Costs: $9,705 
Resale Value (5 Years): $20,000 
Total Energy/Fuel Cost (5 Years): $1,588 
Total Maintenance (5 Years): $3,200 
    
NEWPORT DODGE DURANGO COSTS
Base Purchase Price: $46,576 
Upfitting Costs: $11,325 
Resale Value (5 Years): $15,000 
Total Energy/Fuel Cost (5 Years): $19,949 
Total Maintenance (5 Years): $9,350 
    
5-YEAR COST DIFFERENCE    
Base Purchase Price: $5,946 
Upfitting Costs: $1,620 
Resale Value (5 Years): $5,000 
Total Energy/Fuel Cost (5 Years): $18,362 
Total Maintenance (5 Years): $6,150 
    
Savings for One Tesla: $37,078 
Savings for Four Teslas: $148,312
5-YEAR COST DIFFERENCE
Base Purchase Price: $5,946 Upfitting Costs: $1,620 Resale Value (5 Years): $5,000 Total Energy/Fuel Cost (5 Years): $18,362 Total Maintenance (5 Years): $6,150 
Savings for One Tesla: $37,078 Savings for Four Teslas: $148,312
Beyond the Financial Benefits
Beyond the all-important fiscal concerns, purchasing electric delivered some soft benefits. Environmental and idle reduction benefits are incomparable to gas-powered police vehicles. Police scenes often require extended stationary time. Electric drivetrains eliminate engine idling, which removes tailpipe emissions at stops and reduces noise at scenes. The result is cleaner operation, quieter neighborhoods, and fewer wasted fuel dollars.
Telsa Model 3s and many other EVs come with cameras that support their various automated driving features. In police departments, these cameras can serve double duty to enhance safety and evidence capture. Many EVs include exterior cameras, a backup camera, and an internal camera. In some, a dedicated flash drive retains recent footage so supervisors can retrieve video immediately after an incident, which functions like a complementary body-camera source for accountability.
Most police departments are cautiously introducing EVs into their fleets. In Newport, the Teslas currently serve administrative roles. Any move to patrol will require a different model that can safely accommodate a detainee in the rear seat. At many police departments, charging capabilities will need to be upgraded to support rapid turnaround.
Please Drop Your Thoughts in the Comments Below
What part of the Newport, KY cost math stands out most, the purchase price, the fuel savings, or the resale value?
What metric should chiefs watch first to judge success, cost per mile, uptime, or officer feedback?
Chris Johnston is the author of SAE’s comprehensive book on electric vehicles, “The Arrival of The Electric Car.” His coverage on Torque News focuses on electric vehicles. Chris has decades of product management experience in telematics, mobile computing, and wireless communications. Chris has a B.S. in electrical engineering from Purdue University and an MBA. He lives in Seattle. When not working, Chris enjoys restoring classic wooden boats, open water swimming, cycling and flying (as a private pilot). You can connect with Chris on LinkedIn and follow his work on X at ChrisJohnstonEV.
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