The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office is test driving a Tesla Model 3 to determine whether it can be used in the law enforcement fleet.
“We have always been conscious of the environment and realize the importance of reducing our carbon footprint, while still providing the best public service to the citizens of Alleghany County,” the agency wrote in a Facebook post. “If we can ensure that these vehicles are affordable and cost-effective, the Sheriff’s Office will be taking a very serious looking at putting energy-efficient Model Ys on the street.”
If the Model 3 sedan test drive is successful, the agency will consider purchasing Model Y SUVs (pictured).
Photo courtesy of Tesla
The Post-Gazette reported that the agency contacted Tesla directly, and the company loaned the Sheriff’s Office a Model 3 to use for the week. A Tesla would cost the agency about $47,000 per vehicle, compared to the $36,000 price tag for the Sheriff’s Office’s current fleet vehicle, the Ford Police Interceptor.
Chief Deputy Kevin Kraus told the Post-Gazette that the Sheriff’s Office expects to save $17,000 in gas and maintenance expenses over a five year-period, based on calculations done by the department.
The Sheriff’s Office has 64 gasoline vehicles and one hybrid natural gas vehicle, reported CBS Pittsburgh.
