Tesla Motors Inc’s Model S P85D and BMW i3 Now Part of LAPD Car Fleet

The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) recently revealed that it has added Tesla Motors Inc’s Model S P85D and Bayerische Motoren Werke AG i3 to its police car fleet. Both the vehicles will very soon be tested, LAPD said.

It has been said that the two luxurious cars have been loaned to the police department, and were unveiled as part of the city’s new plan. Los Angeles hopes that it will have nearly 300 new electric and hybrid vehicles in the fleet soon.

Mayor Eric Garcetti, while speaking about the plan, said that the Los Angeles police, fire, and four other departments will lease 160 electric vehicles.

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and General Services Department will also lease 128 hybrid vehicles. The new additions will replace the old vehicles, he said.

Garcetti said Los Angeles is also planning to become the largest city with such vehicles. With this move, the city plans on saving taxpayer dollars along the way.

Of the 160 battery electric vehicles provided by the two companies, 100 will go to the LAPD and its investigators, detectives, and employees. The two models are being loaned to the department for testing and research. Experts will soon determine how this technology can support their future needs.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said he hopes that with the latest move, other cities will watch them and will also opt to make the change. He also said that it is a great day for the department and the city as well.

The Tesla Model S was introduced three years ago and has been a hot seller in Norway and California. On the other hand, the Model S has won numerous awards since its debut, including 2013 World Green Car of the Year and Motor Trend 2013 Car of the Year.