LAPD to Tesla: 'Thanks, But Maybe Some Other Time'

It was nice of Tesla founder Elon Musk to deliver a Model S P85D to the Los Angeles Police Department for testing last year, but they’re kindly going to return it. Possibly with a note under the wiper asking him to make it much cheaper.

The hyper-performing electric sedan took up residence with the LAPD (along with a BMW i3) last September, part of a research initiative that studied how EVs could fit into a future policing model.

With testing over and grades handed out, the LAPD can now say with confidence that the Model S isn’t their cup of tea. The speed was nice, but the price? This isn’t Dubai.

“Is it practical now? No,” LAPD Police Administrator Vartan Yegiyan told CNBC, adding that he expects to see the price of EVs drop in the next three to five years as technology advances.

“More models will be coming out, and the electricity and electrical grid will become more robust, and more charging stations will be available. While that’s occurring we’ll be in the space learning and contributing to the process.”

Despite offering a “Ludicrous Mode” that rockets the Model S to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds, and could catch pretty much anything on wheels, police departments could buy three Ford Police Interceptor Utility models (Explorer) for the price of one Tesla.

There are other considerations for the LAPD — with the city’s hot climate, a police cruiser’s air conditioning system gets regular workouts. That, plus the officer’s computer system and other electric add-ons, would drain the battery and reduce range.

Many cities, L.A. and New York City to name just a couple, are adding EVs and plug-in hybrids to their fleets, but municipal vehicles are lighter duty, less specialized affairs. For now, police departments need a gas-powered workhorse that doesn’t break the bank.