What makes the LAPD's Tesla Model S an awful police car?

According to latest reports, the Los Angeles Police Department is upgrading its fleet of patrol cars. The department has been loaned a Tesla Model S P85D and a BMW i3.

"Today, we take another step toward becoming the most sustainable city in America," Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said during a ceremony marking the debut of the LAPD's BMW i3. "This year, Los Angeles will become home to the largest city-owned fleet of pure battery electric vehicles anywhere in the country, and we will save taxpayer dollars along the way."

Tesla Model S can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 2.8 seconds and so it might prove to be of great help in high-speed vehicle pursuits.

However, a report by IBTimes says, “The Tesla Model S won’t eliminate car chases. In fact, it really shouldn’t even be involved.”

The report further cites reasons as to why the Tesla Model S is unfit for police pursuits. Firstly, it is a high-priced vehicle, even at its cheapest civilian price ($70,000). Moreover, with all of the specialized equipment and systems a police cruiser requires, the price will be sky-high.

Secondly, although the Model S is extremely fast, it would lose some of its quick-acceleration advantage, if a criminal pursuit becomes a high-speed chase. Moreover, prolonged acceleration will heat the battery systems, and the car will automatically reduce power. Therefore, unlike the traditional highway patrol cars, the Model S cannot be fast for the entire pursuit.

Thirdly, the car is not built to undergo the kind of abuse that police vehicles usually see. The report cited few names, including Old Ford Crown Victorias, new Ford Tauruses, Dodge Chargers and said that they were built specifically to handle these law enforcement duties.

The report added, “It’s good that the LAPD has added a couple of EVs to its fleet, but this doesn’t spell the end for police pursuits. Not yet.”