By Terri Dillard
Public perception of Tesla and its CEO, Elon Musk, has become increasingly intricate. While some individuals express opposition to him, perceiving him as a representative of the Republican Party’s support for affluent individuals at the expense of the general populace, opinions on Tesla vehicles are divided. While some owners harbor reservations regarding their vehicles due to CEO Elon Musk’s political activities and administrative responsibilities, others continue to support the brand and its technological advancements. Public backlash, encompassing vandalism and demonstrations, has prompted some Tesla owners to experience feelings of insecurity or embarrassment, further deteriorating the brand’s reputation. The future trajectory of Elon Musk and the Tesla brand remains uncertain.
In 2021, the City of Hallandale Beach acquired 13 Tesla Model Y vehicles for its Police Department. These vehicles were operationalized in June 2022, and Hallandale Beach’s purchase may position it as the largest rollout of full-size electric vehicles for law enforcement use in the United States. Notably, Tesla Model Y vehicles are not reasonably priced. The base price of a Model Y commences at approximately $45,000, excluding any tax credits or incentives, which, incidentally, will be phased out for the average consumer.
However, industry experts indicate that the total cost of a Tesla Model Y police vehicle package can fluctuate, typically ranging from $90,000 to $100,000. This figure encompasses the base price of the Model Y itself, plus the expenditure on equipping it with police-specific equipment. For instance, the cost of installing lights, sirens, radios, and potentially additional safety features can vary between $31,000 and $50,000. The specific modifications and equipment installed will determine the final total cost once converted to law enforcement specifications. In contrast, a Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid has an initial price of $98,000.
Hallandale Beach civic leaders assert that the adoption of all-electric vehicles will result in cost savings for the city on fuel expenses and contribute to environmental sustainability.
City Manager, Dr. Jeremy Earle, commends this purchase, stating, “With this acquisition, we are embracing the future of Hallandale Beach, which not only aligns financially but also promotes environmental responsibility. We are honored to initiate the largest deployment of electric Police Vehicles in the state of Florida, potentially the largest in the United States. We are committed to ensuring the successful rollout of these electric vehicles.”
Commissioner Mike Butler also expresses support, affirming, “This purchase signifies a significant step forward for Hallandale Beach, embodying both financial prudence and environmental stewardship. We are thrilled to be leading the largest deployment of electric Police Vehicles in the state, and we are confident that this initiative will have a profound impact on our city’s future.”
“These Tesla Police Vehicles represent a mutually beneficial outcome for our police officers, the City’s residents, and the environment. Our officers are acquiring an optimal vehicle for their duties. Our residents are saving money compared to traditional police vehicles and can take pride in Hallandale Beach being one of the pioneering police departments in the nation to adopt electric vehicles. Lastly, as a beach community directly impacted by rising sea levels, these vehicles will mitigate the City’s contribution to climate change,” stated Vice Mayor Mike Butler, who served as vice mayor from 2021 to 2022.
Mayor Joy F. Cooper Commits:
“As mayor, I recognize the significance of each step we take to reduce our carbon footprint in addressing global warming,” expressed Hallandale Beach Mayor Joy Cooper. “The addition of police cars to our green vehicle fleet with the objective of achieving full electrification is currently underway. We have collaborated with our chief and officers to ensure that these vehicles not only meet environmental standards but also provide the necessary performance to safeguard our officers and community.”
While the Tesla Model Y is generally reliable, several common issues have been reported by owners, including panel misalignments, paint imperfections, software glitches, and touchscreen freezes. Furthermore, some owners have encountered difficulties with navigation, climate control, door handles, and rear seat latches. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the reliability of Autopilot and other advanced driver-assistance systems.
It is crucial to acknowledge that while some departments are embracing Tesla vehicles, others are finding them unsuitable for police work. Agencies cite insufficient interior space, costly and lengthy retrofitting processes, and interference from advanced driver safety assistance systems. Consequently, due to heavy rains in South Florida, if a Tesla vehicle is flooded or submerged, several factors influence the extent of damage to the vehicle and its battery, including:
Water Ingress
Battery Pack Protection
Electrical Short Circuit
Corrosion
Depreciation
Another concern raised by Police Chief Cedric Crook for the Ukiah, California, police department is the impact of Tesla vehicles and electric vehicles (EVs) on law enforcement operations. This concern stems from a fundamental lesson learned during the police academy: “In a firefight, conceal behind the engine block.” In Tesla vehicles, there is no engine block, rendering officers without their preferred cover.
The adoption of EVs in law enforcement is still in its early stages, and police departments are diligently assessing their options and requirements.
Charging infrastructure presents another challenge. While public charging stations are expanding, the Hallandale Beach Police Department (HBPD) currently has access to the City’s nine Level 2 charge ports on City properties, in addition to the City fleet’s four EVs charging stations. Notably, an additional eight electric vehicle charging stations were installed at City Hall at no cost to the City under an agreement with Florida Power and Light.
The city of Hallandale Beach continues to host budget workshops, with the next session scheduled for June 4, 2025. The future of Tesla vehicle purchases should start with at a minimum 5 year analysis to determine the return on investment (ROI), cost savings and future benefits. The looming volatile economic climate surrounding tariffs, tax extension policies, and deregulation measures are also reasons for contemplation of this data.
As residents closely monitor the city’s budget workshops and the evaluation of safety and benefits provided by these vehicles, it is crucial to recognize that they were highly recommended in 2020 for their environmental sustainability and their ability to safeguard officers and the community.
