Unplugged Performance, a California company specializing in Tesla preparation, transforms a Model Y for police officers in a suburb of Los Angeles.
Known for driving huge vehicles, the American police are slowly abandoning their old thermal models (Ford Explorer or Dodge Charger) to turn to electric models like the Mustang Mach-E. The advantage of these cars is mainly a lower maintenance cost and a lower direct environmental impact. Unplugged Performance recently took care of a new transformation: a Model Y for law enforcement in a small town west of Los Angeles, South Pasadena.
A powerful SUV adapted to the needs of the police
The company Unplugged Performance is rather famous for its sports preparations. However, it has just created a new division, called UPfit, which will focus on transforming Tesla cars specifically for the police. The Model Y from Tesla is a vehicle that no longer needs to prove itself and has been chosen by the brand as a patrol vehicle.
The South Pasadena police officers will be the first to have the honor of working in a Model Y. Of course, this one has been modified for the occasion: flocking, flashing lights and a front bumper worthy of a typical American bull bar. . A lot of work has been done on the rims to strengthen them and allow them to accommodate special off-road tires. The interior has also been adapted to accommodate the large communication console, necessary for the work of the police.
Savings: first argument in favor of electrification
According to Unplugged Performance’s calculations, if the police switch to electric cars, the resulting savings will be significant. Less maintenance, no fuel and much less consumable use – brakes in particular. Over the long term, the operational costs of police services related to vehicle fleets will decrease.
If the company chose the Model Y, it is not for nothing. It is that the total cost of the car as well as its conversion into a patrol vehicle is a more economical alternative to the Ford Police Interceptor Utility Hybrid. Widely used as a pursuit vehicle in the USA, it is equipped with a hybrid V6, but remains more expensive than a Tesla Model Y and less powerful.
The automotive market is changing, and the United States with it. If we readily associate the USA with “big engines” (this is always somewhat the case), we must now qualify this observation. On the side of the police in any case, electrification is underway. According to Unplugged Performance, the savings realized would be notable from five years thanks to the transition to the Model Y.
Sources: Clean Automotive, Top Gear
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