Coral Gables mayor wants a Tesla for the police department’s electric vehicle fleet
Police officers in Coral Gables might soon patrol the downtown shopping district in a luxury electric vehicle.
Coral Gables Mayor Vince Lago this week directed the police chief to start the process to acquire a Tesla.
The city owns 70 electric cars, including 35 Nissan Leafs and 23 Chevy Bolts, making Coral Gables’ electric vehicle fleet one of the largest among Florida municipalities. The police department’s Neighborhood Safety Aides currently use a small portion of that overall fleet, a city spokeswoman said, which they charge at the Police and Fire Headquarters.
Lago said purchasing a Tesla, which could reduce emissions and fuel costs, is in line with the city’s sustainability goals.
“You’re talking to someone whose house has run on solar for seven years,” he told the Herald. “Let me remind you again, you’re talking to a Republican. And we are leading the charge in regards to sustainability, in regards to the environment.”
Read more: Coral Gables to crack down on bike, skateboard and electric scooter use on sidewalks
Police Chief Ed Hudak said at Tuesday’s commission meeting that the police department would introduce the Tesla through a pilot program. The vehicle, which would primarily patrol the downtown area, would not be a take-home car for officers, he said.
City spokeswoman Martha Pantin said the fully-equipped Tesla would cost approximately $64,000 — nearly double the cost of a standard police vehicle.
Lago, at the commission meeting, pointed to other U.S. cities where police departments are investing in Teslas, including New York City, where the NYPD previously announced plans to purchase 250 Tesla Model 3 electric sedans. In Florida, the Hallandale Police Department last summer introduced 13 Tesla Model Ys to its fleet.
Hudak said the department is also considering a new police-rated electric Chevrolet as an option. While Lago placed an emphasis on Teslas, he told the chief he would be open to other cars.
“Listen, I don’t own a Tesla, and I don’t own Tesla stock,” Lago said. “But at the end of the day, I just want something that’s made in America. If there is a better electric car that’s made in America, find it for me.”
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