Summary
– Tesla police cars are proving to be superior to combustion-powered cars in Bargersville
– The fleet of 13 Tesla police cars is saving taxpayers $80,000 per year in fuel cost savings
– Initial investment in Teslas was higher but fuel savings make up for the difference in less than three years
– Tesla police cars cost about $600 per month to charge compared to $2,900 per month for combustion-powered vehicles
– Officers find the Tesla police cars comfortable and preferable to combustion-powered cars
Article
A fleet of Tesla police cars in the town of Bargersville, south of Indianapolis, is proving to be superior to their combustion-powered counterparts. Police Chief Todd Bertram stated that the Tesla police vehicles are saving the town a significant amount of money, around $80,000 per year in fuel cost savings. The decision to switch to Tesla cars was made out of financial necessity, as the town needed more officers and the cost savings from using Teslas made it possible to hire two additional officers.
Bargersville initially started with one Tesla police car in 2019 and has since added a dozen more to its fleet. Despite the initial risk, opting for Teslas has paid off for the town, as the fuel savings were so substantial that the town was able to afford to hire more officers. Clerk Treasurer Dustin Doyle highlighted that while Teslas are more expensive upfront compared to traditional police vehicles, the fuel savings allow the town to recoup this difference within three years, ultimately benefiting taxpayers and promoting fiscal responsibility.
The town’s total fleet consists of 13 Tesla police cars and six combustion-powered vehicles. The combustion-powered vehicles consume approximately $2,900 in gas every month, while the Teslas cost around $600 per month to charge. This significant difference in operating costs is a major factor in the town’s decision to transition to Tesla vehicles. Officer Cody St. John, who stands at 6-foot-2, attested to the comfort and efficiency of using a Tesla Model Y police car, noting that he prefers it over a combustion-powered vehicle despite an initial learning curve.
With the Tesla police fleet saving Bargersville taxpayers $80,000 per year in fuel costs, the financial benefits are clear. The decision to invest in Teslas has not only resulted in significant cost savings for the town but has also provided added environmental benefits. While the initial expense of purchasing a Tesla may be higher, the long-term savings in fuel costs make it a worthwhile investment for the town. Overall, the transition to Tesla police cars has proven to be a successful and cost-effective decision for Bargersville.
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