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Uh-Oh, LAPD Is Testing a Tesla Model S as a High-Pursuit Squad Car

It's still early, but if cars do go down the electric avenue, then sooner or later the state institutions such as the police will have to follow suit. That day is not today, but LAPD is giving it a try.
LAPD Tesla Model S 1 photo
Photo: LAPD
It all started last year when the city of Los Angeles leased 288 electric vehicles that were spread out among the different departments. The LAPD certainly didn't draw the shorter stick as it was awarded not one, but two Tesla Model S P85D, the electric sedan we all know and love for its ridiculous performance.

Not wanting to jump head-first into anything, the police officials said they would first test the car, evaluate its strong points and weaknesses and see if there's a place for an EV in the force. And it's not like the officers are complete strangers to electric propulsion since they already use Zero's electric motorcycle, as well as assessing a BMW i3.

After carrying out unspecified tests up to this point (lasting almost a year), it has now become apparent that the LAPD is considering the Model S as a high-pursuit vehicle. Frankly, we're struggling to figure out what took them so long to realize this might be what the Tesla is best at. With its famous 2.8 seconds sprint to 60 mph (with Ludicrous) and a limited top speed of 155 mph - 250 km/h (which could be lifted for an absolute maximum of about 200 mph - 320 km/h), the Model S shouldn't have any trouble keeping up with most cars out there.

However, the LAPD isn't rushing anything. Speaking to CNBC, LAPD's Administrator Vartan Yegiyan said, “Is it practical now? No. The next three to five years … not only will the industry push toward electrification, but prices will drop on vehicles. More models will be coming out, and the electricity and electrical grid will become more robust, and more charging stations will be available. While that’s occurring we’ll be in the space learning and contributing to the process.

Got that? If you can't afford your own Tesla car, then you've got three to five years to join the LAPD, pull some strings and see that you end up patrolling in one. It's not the kind of company car that you can take home and drive around on weekends, but it should still provide plenty of excitement. Plus, it's probably the most badass-looking Model S we've seen so far.
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About the author: Vlad Mitrache
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"Boy meets car, boy loves car, boy gets journalism degree and starts job writing and editing at a car magazine" - 5/5. (Vlad Mitrache if he was a movie)
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