Gary Zhou 
Key Points
- 🚓 Folsom City Council approves purchase of two Tesla vehicles for police use.
- 💡 Tesla vehicles becoming an industry-standard for law enforcement in California.
- 🌱 All-electric, zero-emission Tesla aligns with Police Department’s vision.
- 💰 Cost efficiency, reduced emissions, and reliability make Teslas viable fleet options.
- 🚔 Folsom PD will assess Tesla EVs as fleet vehicles for officers.
- 💸 $108,838.28 budget for two Tesla vehicles – Model Y and Model 3.
- 🏭 Tesla’s Model Y and Model 3 eligible for federal tax credits.
- ⚙️ Tesla’s EV cost comparable to traditional Ford Explorers purchased by police.
- 🚙 Folsom PD explores using Tesla Model Y as patrol car and Model 3 for community service.
- 📚 Folsom City staff compares Tesla prices with various 2023 Ford Explorer SUV models.
Folsom City staff have observed a trend where Tesla vehicles are becoming the norm in California’s law enforcement industry. In a recent routine meeting, the Folsom City Council gave the green light for the purchase of two Tesla vehicles as requested by Folsom Police Chief Rick Hillman.
Prior to acquiring its first zero-emission vehicle, the Folsom PD conducted thorough research. According to staff, “The all-electric, zero-emission Tesla has proven to be a leader in technological advancements with their vehicles and the technology they possess, which aligns with the vision of the Police Department. The reduced initial cost, efficiency, zero emissions, reliability, and reduced maintenance costs compared to other vehicles make them a viable fleet option.”
The police department will assess the suitability of Tesla’s electric vehicles (EVs) as fleet cars for officers on duty. The Folsom PD’s budget for 2023-2024 allocates $500,000 for vehicle acquisitions.
The City Council approved the purchase of two Tesla vehicles, totaling $108,838.28 for both EVs. With this budget, the Folsom Police Department chose to acquire one Tesla Model Y and one Model 3.
“We are procuring a Model Y to test as a patrol car. Additionally, we’re acquiring a Model 3 for a community service officer vehicle,” stated Folsom PD Operations Division Commander Andrew Bates.
Both the Tesla Model Y and Model 3 qualify for the federal tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act. After accounting for tax incentives, Tesla calculates the Model 3 to start at $32,740, while the Model Y starts at $40,240. Presently, Tesla offers the Model 3 RWD at $40,240 before options and tax incentives. The EV manufacturer markets the Model 3 Long Range for $47,240 and the Performance variant for $53,240 before tax credits.
Meanwhile, Tesla prices the base Model Y Dual-Motor AWD at $47,740 before options and incentives. The Model Y Long Range begins at $50,490, and the Model Y Performance version starts at $54,490 without tax credits.
Folsom City staff calculated that the expense of a Tesla police cruiser is on par with the Ford Explorers that the local police department traditionally procures. The City Council also sanctioned the acquisition of three 2023 Ford Explorers to replace the Folsom PD’s used SUVs.
Ford offers eight 2023 Explorer SUV models. The starting price for the base Ford Explorer is $36,760, slightly higher than the price of the Model 3 RWD after tax incentives. The top-tier Ford Explorer variant is the King Ranch model, commencing at $54,525—roughly equivalent to the price of the Model Y Performance before tax credits.
