Police force in Newport City enlarges fleet with additional Tesla vehicles
In the city of Newport, a shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is underway within its law enforcement sector. The Newport Police Department has already integrated a Tesla Model 3 into its operations, and now, the city is expanding its Tesla fleet further with the addition of four Tesla Model Y vehicles.
This decision, approved at a city commission meeting on June 16, 2024, is part of Newport's ambitious plans to position itself as one of the most forward-thinking municipalities in North America for EV adoption in law enforcement. The Model Y will officially join the police patrol lineup, equipped with cages to facilitate the transportation of detainees, a requirement that smaller EVs couldn't accommodate.
The city manager, John Hayden, emphasised the city's focus on making the best financial decisions for the city, regardless of Tesla's polarising brand. In fact, the base price of a Tesla Model Y (2026) is 13.64% lower than that of the department's traditional Dodge Durango (2025). Over five years, the Teslas are projected to save the city over $148,000 in energy, maintenance, and upfitting costs.
Newport's move to electrify the police department follows a successful pilot program that began in December 2023 with three Tesla Model 3 sedans. The success of this pilot program has paved the way for the expansion of the EV fleet, with the city already adding four Tesla Model Y vehicles.
The city has also been utilising a Model Y for other municipal departments, signalling a broader commitment to EV adoption across the city. To support this growing fleet, Newport has already installed two 100 kW Superchargers for its EVs, and negotiations are underway to install a third high-capacity charger at a heavily discounted cost.
Vice Mayor Julie Smith-Morrow noted the shift in momentum, stating that they have proven the concept and are now moving to a larger vehicle so patrol can use it. This transition towards electric vehicles is not just about cost savings and environmental benefits, but also about setting an example for other municipalities to follow in Newport's footsteps.
With these developments, Newport is indeed carving out a significant role in the EV adoption narrative within law enforcement, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and financial prudence.
- Recognizing the success of the pilot program with Tesla Model 3 sedans, Newport is expanding its electric vehicles (EV) fleet with the addition of four Tesla Model Y vehicles for the law enforcement sector.
- In a bid to position itself as a forward-thinking municipality, Newport has integrated Tesla Model Y vehicles into its police patrol lineup, equipped with cages for transporting detainees – a feature unavailable in smaller EVs.
- The city's investment in Tesla EVs, including Model Y vehicles, is projected to save over $148,000 in energy, maintenance, and upfitting costs over five years, as highlighted by the city manager, John Hayden.
- Newport's commitment to EV adoption extends beyond the law enforcement sector, as the city has also been using a Model Y for other municipal departments, and negotiations are ongoing for the installation of a third high-capacity charger at a discounted cost to support this growing EV fleet.
