The iconic pickup truck has always been a vehicle of choice among law enforcement agencies worldwide. With the electric vehicle trend on the rise, it’s easy to imagine these agencies adopting electric pickup trucks as a part of their fleet.
In California, a converter known as UP.FIT, associated with Tesla customization specialist Unplugged Performance, has transformed the Tesla Cybertruck into a stealthy police vehicle. This particular conversion by UP.FIT goes beyond mere conceptualization.
UP.FIT has confirmed that there’s been a show of interest from various police departments and agencies for the Cybertruck police cruiser and anticipates beginning deliveries sometime within this year.
This is not the first rodeo for an electric vehicle entering law enforcement service. Ford introduced a Special Service Vehicle (SSV) model based on their F-150 Lightning for police use as far back as 2022.
Modern electric vehicles, thanks to their rapid acceleration and increasing range capabilities, appear to be prime candidates for the next generation of police cruisers. Not only do electric vehicles enable police officers to approach silently, lending an element of surprise, but their hushed and tranquil operation may also ease stress levels, providing officers with greater focus on their immediate environment.
Indeed, some early adopters, such as the Los Angeles Police Department with the BMW i3 in 2016, and more recently, the New York Police Department with the Ford Mustang Mach-E, have incorporated electric vehicles into their law enforcement fleets.
FAQ Section
What company has converted the Tesla Cybertruck into a police cruiser?
A company called UP.FIT, which is a division of the Tesla tuning company Unplugged Performance, converted the Tesla Cybertruck into a police cruiser.
Have any police departments shown interest in the Cybertruck cruiser from UP.FIT?
Yes, UP.FIT has stated that they’ve received interest from police departments and other agencies and will start shipping the police cruisers later this year.
Was Ford’s F-150 Lightning used as a police vehicle before the Tesla Cybertruck?
Yes, Ford had earlier created a Special Service Vehicle program based on the F-150 Lightning for police use back in 2022.
Why are electric vehicles considered good options for police cruisers?
Electric vehicles are considered good options for police cruisers due to their quick acceleration, silent operation, and the potential for easing stress thanks to their quiet and smooth performance.
Which other electric vehicles have been used by police departments?
The BMW i3 was used by the Los Angeles Police Department starting in 2016, and more recently, the New York Police Department has used the Ford Mustang Mach-E.