Tesla-Police fleet saves Bargersville over $500,000

Did you know that the Tesla-police fleet in Bargersville has already saved over half a million dollars? Since the first deployment of a Model 3 in 2019, the small police department has been using e-vehicles and benefiting from low operating costs, high reliability, and strong resale value.

Transition to the Tesla-police fleet

First experiences with the Model 3

In 2019, the Bargersville Police Department (16 officers) was the first agency in Indiana to order a Tesla Model 3. In the first year alone, gasoline costs were reduced by almost $7,000.

Advantage: Zero fuel costs, as electricity is significantly cheaper
Maintenance: Fewer wear parts compared to combustion engines

Expansion to 13 Teslas

Based on the positive balance, the Tesla-police fleet grew to 13 vehicles:

5 × Model 3
8 × Model Y (including the first Model Y K‑9 unit worldwide)

Cost savings and economic efficiency

Operating costs under scrutiny

Since 2020, Bargersville has been saving $70,000 to $80,000 annually by using Teslas – a total of almost $500,000 in five years. For example, in June 2024, the agency paid:

4 Ford patrol cars (gasoline): $3,100
13 Tesla patrol cars (electricity): $300

Less maintenance, higher reliability

Brakes: No brake pads replaced – saving a total of $1,200–1,500 per set
Battery: One battery replacement during the warranty period – only 3 days of downtime compared to 1 week for ICE

Special features of the Tesla-police fleet

Model Y K‑9 unit

The first Tesla Model Y as a K-9 emergency vehicle (2022) is equipped with a secured dog area and Tesla's "Dog Mode" – ideal for police dogs like Dax.

Resale Value

The original Model 3 with almost 100,000 miles still fetched $21,000 at sale – another factor for overall cost-effectiveness.

Impact on Other Police Departments

Following Bargersville, other departments worldwide are following suit:

Canada: RCMP is piloting Model Ys in British Columbia and Ontario
USA: Pilot projects with Ford Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning in various states

Conclusion

The Tesla police fleet impressively demonstrates how e-vehicles function not only as environmentally friendly but also as economical emergency vehicles. Bargersville is setting standards in police service and inspiring authorities worldwide to switch to electromobility – a model that pays off and offers potential for the future.