South Pasadena Launches World's First All-Tesla Police Fleet

South Pasadena makes history by launching the world's first all-Tesla (and all-EV) Police fleet, introducing 10 Model Y patrol vehicles, and 10 Model 3 administrative vehicles, all upfitted by Unplugged Performance's fleet division, UP.FIT.

We're proud to pioneer the future of policing with UP.FIT Tesla-based turnkey solutions. South Pasadena goes into depth on why they believe that "Tesla was not only a viable solution, but it was the best solution," highlighting that the Tesla Model Y is the safest car, the most American-made car, and offers the lowest cost of ownership.

SAFETY
South Pasadena has already experienced freeway-speed pursuits with feedback that the new UP.FIT Tesla patrol cars are high performing vehicles that are not only much more capable than the departments previous ICE fleet, but also instilled officer confidence when and where it matters most.

TAXPAYER SAVINGS
Tony discusses that some members of the community expressed concerns about the added costs of purchasing Tesla's, however, when looking at the total cost of ownership over the life of the vehicle there is, in fact, a significant cost savings.
Their admin fleet saw $0 in maintenance costs in the first year.
The most significant cost savings is in the cost of energy and the removal of fuel costs during idling.

SUSTAINABILITY

The community of South Pasadena is very environmentally and sustainability conscious who value the zero-emissions nature of the Tesla Model Y.

RANGE & CHARGING

The range on the Model Y is almost equal to that of the previous cars they had in service, and they are able to get about another 200 miles of range in about 15 minutes.

DURABILITY
Tesla makes an incredibility nimble, high-performing vehicle, but it's also extremely durable. And we turn that dial up with unique 18 inch UP.FIT Forged wheels that are built for strength and longevity, and pair them with BF Goodrich Elite Force tires that offer protection and capability in complex situations, like jumping curbs.

At UP.FIT we create a turn-key solution for our partners by bringing more than a decade of experience with Teslas and working closely with departments to bring training for easy deployment and adaptation.

Listen to SPPD"s story and see for yourself why these are the safest, highest performing, lowest total cost of ownership police vehicles, period.

[jamesengland]

Their stunning acceleration can end a lot of chases before they start!

[rjahn]

Excellent, as a retired officer Tesla's would be perfect for many police departments. Made in the USA!

[michiganbasemaniac]

I wanna see them do a pit maneuver with that super low center of gravity.

[jamesengland]

Regardless of anything else- the beauty of these shots, especially at sunrise/ sunset- is STUNNING!

[nathansuss]

Most American fleet of cars you'll see on the road 🇺🇲🇺🇲

[nathansuss]

The patrol cybertruck is gonna be so f*cking cool

[joebullwinkle]

Fascinating to see that finally, we have a commercially oriented Organization such as the Pasadena police force who ran the numbers and worked out that a Tesla model Y EV was in fact, not only a far superior vehicle but a vehicle that cut costs substantially over the expected lifetime of service.

[jazzmannca]

I bought my Model 3 in 2019 and just got my brand new Model Y this month, both with Full Self Driving. I changed the steering wheel and the screen mount in my garage by myself thanks to youtube. Not one person has _ever_ been in my car and been nothing but envious and impressed by both cars. They are the most amazing cars ever built - In America! -. Until you've driven one, you should keep your negative comments to yourself because you just sound ignorant. Tesla's 'used' to be expensive, now in 2024 into 2025 they are affordable for everyone and I guarantee you that once you drive one you'll never want to go back to gas. Same goes for the pickup truck drivers.. get in a Cyber truck and you'll never want to get back in your toyota/dodge/chevy/ford ever again.

[darylring]

Love it!!! This is what happens when you do your research rather than listen to what the biased media tells you!! That cybertruck tease though!!!

[notsecure]

EVs are perfect cars for idling without stress on driver.

[frankcoffey]

This is fantastic. 3 and Y have the most American made content also. Officers won’t be breathing fumes during their career and AC or heat can be left on without leaving a car engine running, great for officers and especially K9s.

[dwnrange]

In regards to long range 0:02 pursuit, jurisdictions change over in less than 5 minutes of driving anywhere in southern Cali

[shaggydogsales]

Well done South Pasadena. Saving tax payer money, no vehicle emissions in your city, safest vehicle money can buy and great performance for chasing down offenders

[ken]

Awesome. Most PDs should evaluate conversion of their fleets to EVs!

[murrynathan]

I gotta get me one of those cow catchers for the front of my 3.

[davidcarroll]

Congrats on getting the fleet modernized and looking forward to a periodic update!

[randygreen]

It makes perfect sense on every level!

[imudevco]

Excellent choice and glad you're leading the way.

[KiwiShoot]

Need to say the quiet bit loud - we have the same range as before.

[lemongavine]

Those cops driving these will likely buy a Tesla for personal use. When they get into their gas car after working a shift, they will be so disappointed.