Bargersville PD switching to Tesla instead of Chargers

[Usmccookie]

I'm seeing a lot of negative comments. I for one hope this works. I don't have all the info but I think it's a great idea. At least a start to one.

 

[HoughMade]

310 mile range on the model 3

https://www.tesla.com/model3

Yeah, well it's over 600 miles from Texarkana to Atlanta.

 

[rhino]

Eastbound and down, loaded up and truckin' . . .

 

[maxwelhse]

I'm seeing a lot of negative comments. I for one hope this works. I don't have all the info but I think it's a great idea. At least a start tip one.

I hope it works too as public funds are OUR funds, but my hope is very low. Other than it sounding like it's just the Chief's cruiser to get lunch and attend meetings, I don't like the idea of putting cops out there in inferior equipment. I like cops and generally don't want to make their lives any hard than necessary... especially if that cop is about to decide whether or not to write me a ticket or give me the "look here, son" talk instead (which has only happened once... Cop didn't know how bad I couldn't afford that ticket right then, but I thank him deeply for the break). I don't want him pissed off at his car before I cruise by going "maybe" over enough to get a ticket. I want him nice a relaxed, enjoying his day, and not worrying about my "maybe" speed...

 

[Usmccookie]

I hope it works too as public funds are OUR funds, but my hope is very low. Other than it sounding like it's just the Chief's cruiser to get lunch and attend meetings, I don't like the idea of putting cops out there in inferior equipment. I like cops and generally don't want to make their lives any hard than necessary... especially if that cop is about to decide whether or not to write me a ticket or give me the "look here, son" talk instead (which has only happened once... Cop didn't know how bad I couldn't afford that ticket right then, but I thank him deeply for the break). I don't want him pissed off at his car before I cruise by going "maybe" over enough to get a ticket. I want him nice a relaxed, enjoying his day, and not worrying about my "maybe" speed...

Yea, theres always the growing pains. I am truly curious as to how much is resistance to change as opposed to true issues..

 

[VUPDblue]

I just don’t see it being effective at its job as a patrol car. If it’s going to be a chief’s vehicle, then it’s overpriced. I don’t see any area that it could be a good option.

Maybe be at a huge department with a PR division it could be a conversation starter, but no way is it suitable for any kind of police work.

 

[wcd]

Yea, theres always the growing pains. I am truly curious as to how much is resistance to change as opposed to true issues..

Surprised no one has brought up security risk, if the manufacturer can shut them down, what about a hacker?

 

[maxwelhse]

Yea, theres always the growing pains. I am truly curious as to how much is resistance to change as opposed to true issues..

IMO, I think this is mostly true issues. Tesla won't even sell an owner a repair part. How is that going to work out for a fleet customer like a PD? What about the insane collision repair costs from the all aluminum bodies? And the tech that will overheat itself without the rigors of police duty? Reduced battery range in extreme weather? I mean, how about even the door handles that seem to love to break?

I honestly believe that in the future we will likely all have EVs, including the cops, but the tech just isn't evolved enough yet. I generally like what Tesla is doing, but it's no great secret that they're using their customer base as their Q/A department. I think this is more of a talk in another 10-20 years once EVs have a huge installed base among regular consumers and all of the weak spots are known and can be worked around.

 

[PistolBob]

Hope is NOT a strategy. They did not research this vehicle, it appears they just scratched the chief's itch and bought a toy for him. Bargerstucky....what else would you expect

 

[hoosierdoc]

Of course I want the best for a local police department. But as said above, the odds of this being the best is sooo slim it’s laughable.

next step is solar panels for charging? Absurd. Getting MORE cars? Absurd.

 

[VUPDblue]

Like I said, patrol cars need to be robust and reliable. I don’t think the data will show the Tesla to fit that bill. They could have two fully outfitted, AWD Hemi Chargers for the price of that one T.

 

[HoughMade]

Like I said, patrol cars need to be robust and reliable. I don’t think the data will show the Tesla to fit that bill...

You have more faith that the data will be honestly and accurately reported than I do.

 

[KMaC]

IMO, I think this is mostly true issues. Tesla won't even sell an owner a repair part. How is that going to work out for a fleet customer like a PD? What about the insane collision repair costs from the all aluminum bodies? And the tech that will overheat itself without the rigors of police duty? Reduced battery range in extreme weather? I mean, how about even the door handles that seem to love to break?

I honestly believe that in the future we will likely all have EVs, including the cops, but the tech just isn't evolved enough yet. I generally like what Tesla is doing, but it's no great secret that they're using their customer base as their Q/A department. I think this is more of a talk in another 10-20 years once EVs have a huge installed base among regular consumers and all of the weak spots are known and can be worked around.

You can't show what a forward thinking leader you are if you wait until it is a no brainer to go green. This isn't about saving tax dollars or even saving the planet. It's about ego, getting media attention and a display of perceived leadership.
Anybody know what former Indy Mayor Ballard's personal car is? Now that he has a chance to use his own money to show his environmental stewardship I'm guessing he isn't driving a Prius. But man, those national news stories about Indy having the first electric police fleet still give me warm fuzzy feelings.

 

[EGParatrooper]

I'm all in for it. Small-town agency, looking at ways to stretch budget. I am actually looking at one myself, and I am going to add solar panels to power my house and my workshop. I'm not going to let go of my 6 other cars, or my motorcycles yet, nor am I looking for an electric powered aircraft.

 

[KLB]

Like I said, patrol cars need to be robust and reliable. I don’t think the data will show the Tesla to fit that bill. They could have two fully outfitted, AWD Hemi Chargers for the price of that one T.

I just had to point out how funny it was to see you talk about how reliable Chargers are. Dodge hasn't exactly been known for their quality.

 

[qwerty]

I just had to point out how funny it was to see you talk about how reliable Chargers are. Dodge hasn't exactly been known for their quality.

Compared to the PI Utility, they are. If I have to replace another PTO this year I'm going to lose it.

Dollar for dollar, you get more features on a Charger, they are definitely the better value, as long as you get the HEMI.

 

[actaeon277]

Just be sure to keep your glow rod away from the capacitance gel hole.

That's what she said.

 

[actaeon277]

You have more faith that the data will be honestly and accurately reported than I do.

And there's the problem
Much like estimates that can be massaged to get what you want, reports can be made to fit the desired output.

 

[Alamo]

Tesla police car runs short on juice during high speed chase

 

[actaeon277]

Tesla police car runs short on juice during high speed chase

If only there were vehicles that could be topped of in 5 minutes between shifts.