Summary
- Unplugged Performance’s UP.FIT division created a police package for the Tesla Model S Plaid, displayed at the 2024 SEMA show
- The Model S Plaid police car received modifications such as police lights, push bar, and sirens
- The police-spec Plaid retains its stock powertrain generating 1,020 hp, with upgraded brakes and lighter wheels
- Unplugged Performance also delivered a police Tesla Cybertruck to the Irvine Police Department in California
- Some California police departments have experienced issues with Tesla police cars, leading to aftermarket companies like Unplugged Performance providing modifications due to lack of factory police package options
Article
Unplugged Performance, a division of UP.FIT, has unveiled a new Tesla police car at the 2024 SEMA show in Las Vegas. This time, the Model S Plaid has been modified to be used as a police vehicle. It will be delivered to a community outreach program of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and features a new wiring harness to integrate police lights, a push bar, sirens, and a public address system. The Model S Plaid police car also retains the stock tri-motor all-wheel drive powertrain, which allows for impressive acceleration of 0-60 mph in 1.9 seconds.
In addition to the Model S Plaid, Unplugged Performance has also created a police-spec Cybertruck, which was recently delivered to the Irvine Police Department in California. This move by Unplugged Performance follows California’s leadership in electric police vehicles, with one police department already having an all-electric fleet comprised of Tesla Model 3 sedans and Model Y crossovers. However, some California police departments have reported issues with Tesla police cars, including concerns about interior space and difficulties in obtaining maintenance and repair support for the vehicles.
The development of police-spec Tesla vehicles by aftermarket companies like Unplugged Performance highlights the current lack of options available for electric police cars. Traditional manufacturers like Ford have started to enter the electric police vehicle market with offerings like the police version of the F-150 Lightning. Stellantis is also preparing the Dodge Charger Daytona for police duty as a replacement for the outgoing-generation gasoline Charger. Even though Tesla does not offer a factory police package, the demand for electric police cars shows promise for the future of law enforcement vehicles.
The modifications made by Unplugged Performance to the Model S Plaid police car allow for the integration of essential police equipment while maintaining impressive performance capabilities. The vehicle still boasts 1,020 hp and a range of 345 miles, despite the added weight from police equipment. Despite some challenges faced by police departments with Tesla vehicles, the move towards electric police cars continues to gain momentum as more departments explore alternative options. The innovative solutions provided by aftermarket companies signal a shift towards electric vehicles in law enforcement.
The unveiling of the Model S Plaid police car at the SEMA show signals a new era for police vehicles, with high-performance electric cars being considered for law enforcement duty. Unplugged Performance’s expertise in modifying Tesla vehicles for police use showcases their commitment to providing innovative solutions for law enforcement agencies. The Model S Plaid police car represents a step towards a more sustainable and efficient future for police vehicles, setting the stage for further advancements in electric law enforcement technology. With the support of aftermarket companies and traditional manufacturers, the vision of electric police cars becoming mainstream is becoming a reality.
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