Tesla Vehicles Contribute to Significant Cost Savings for Bargersville Police Department, Amounting to Over Half a Million Dollars
The Bargersville Police Department in Indiana made history in 2019 when it became one of the first in the world to add a Tesla Model 3 to its fleet. Since then, the department has expanded its fleet to include five Model 3s and eight Model Ys, making it a global leader in electric vehicle (EV) policing.
In the first year alone, the department saved nearly $7,000 in fuel costs with a single Tesla Model 3. This savings has grown over the years, with the department saving approximately $70,000 to $80,000 a year since 2020 due to the lower operating and maintenance costs of Teslas.
One significant area of cost savings is maintenance. The department's Teslas have significantly lowered maintenance expenses, with no brake replacements needed. Typical brake replacement costs for gas-powered vehicles range between $1,200 and $1,500, a cost that is avoided with Teslas.
The success of the Bargersville Police Department's Tesla fleet has not gone unnoticed. Police departments around the world, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in Canada, have been adding EVs to their fleets, including Tesla Model Ys. The RCMP's early experience with Tesla Model Ys has been positive, with officers praising the Model Y's performance, comfort, and battery range.
Other EV models like the Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning have also joined police fleets for real-world testing across diverse terrains and climates.
In June 2024, the cost to charge all 13 Teslas in the Bargersville Police Department fleet was $300, compared to a $3,100 gas bill for four Ford patrol cars. This shift to EVs not only saves the department money but also reduces its carbon footprint.
The Bargersville Police Department's Tesla fleet has been instrumental in various operations. In 2022, the department introduced the world's first Tesla Model Y K-9 unit. The secure dog compartment and Tesla's "Dog Mode" ensure that police dog Dax stays comfortable between calls.
The original 2019 Model 3, which served in the Bargersville Police Department fleet until it neared 100,000 miles, fetched $21,000 when sold, demonstrating strong resale value.
Despite one serious issue that required a battery replacement, it was covered under warranty, showing the reliability of Tesla's vehicles. The battery replacement and subsequent repair took only three days, much faster than the week-long delays typical for internal combustion engine repairs.
The Bargersville Police Department's five-year journey with Teslas has resulted in nearly half a million dollars in savings. This electric vehicle revolution not only benefits the department financially but also contributes to a more sustainable future.
- The success of electric vehicles (EVs) in the Bargersville Police Department's fleet has led to a shift in technology for many police departments worldwide, with models like the Tesla Model Y and others from manufacturers such as Ford (Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning) being introduced to their fleets.
- The low maintenance costs and significant fuel savings of EVs, as demonstrated by the Bargersville Police Department's Tesla fleet, are contributing to a change in lifestyle for many organizations, with more focus on sustainable practices that benefit both their budgets and the environment.
