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The Westport Police Department purchased a fully electric 2020 Tesla Model 3, becoming the first in Connecticut. The vehicle has already been delivered and is currently being outfitted with police equipment.
The Tesla is expected to hit the roads by the last week in January next year.
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas said he chose the Model 3 because of its “superior performance, 5-star crash ratings, and industry-leading collision avoidance technology available in the Model 3 compared to the Town’s typical squad cars.”
Bruce Becker, the president of the Electric Vehicle Club of Connecticut added, “the economic, environmental and public health benefits of electric vehicles are irrefutable, and it is exciting to see the Town of Westport reaping these benefits.
It’s logical for those responsible for public safety to lead the effort in keeping the planet safe by reducing dangerous pollutants and emissions, 38 percent of which come from the transportation sector. As the first Police Department on the east coast we know of to add a Tesla squad car to its fleet, Westport is now a national leader in the urgently needed transition to (electric vehicles).”
When outfitting of the Tesla is complete, it will include emergency lights and siren, a networked computer, a weapon rack and tires capable of sustained speeds of over 100mph. It has a 310-mile range when fully charged. To accommodate the charge, a Level 2 electric vehicle charger will be installed.
The Tesla had a base price of $52,290 - higher than the typical $37,000 for a traditional squad car - though that cost is expected to be made up in the first three years, as the Tesla will require less maintenance.
Citing the US Department of Energy’s fuel economy calculator, the Police Department’s energy cost for the Model 3 per mile will be $0.040, while the fuel cost for a Ford Explorer is $0.127 per mile, adding up to a fuel savings of $13,770 just in the first three years.
“I’m very proud of the steady progress that Westport is making towards our Net Zero by 2050 goal, and the leadership role we continue to play in sustainability,” First Selectman Jim Marpe stated. “Whether it’s adding more solar panels on our library and school roofs, or eliminating single use plastics in food establishments, or now as we continue the transition of our municipal vehicles to electric vehicles.”
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