California police departments are discovering that good intentions sometimes collide with real-world obstacles. Several law enforcement organizations have invested significantly in Teslas to meet the state's need for zero-emission cars. The feasibility of these electric cars for police work is currently a major concern; some departments even consider them “nearly unusable” as squad cars.

Multiple police departments, including those in Menlo Park and Ukiah, have embraced the Tesla model, hoping it would be efficient and align with the state's climate goals.

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SFGATE spoke to Ukiah Police Department Chief Cedric Crook, who pointed out that the modifications necessary for Teslas to serve as police cars add up fast. Once upfitted for patrol duty, the Model 3s purchased cost almost $150,000 each, Crook noted.

Unlike traditional car manufacturers, Tesla does not offer ready-made law enforcement models, leaving police departments to rely on a single aftermarket company for modifications, which results in high costs due to the lack of competition.

Cost, however, isn't the only issue. Many officers found that Teslas simply don’t offer enough space, particularly in the back seats. Chief Crook explained that there's only room for one prisoner, which significantly limits officers' ability to manage situations involving multiple suspects, often forcing more officers and vehicles to be deployed.

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Safety is, understandably, a critical factor in police vehicle selection and Teslas have failed to meet these needs in some key ways. One of the main issues is that electric vehicles lack an engine block – a feature officers are trained to use as cover during active shootings. “In a firefight, you hide behind the engine block,” Chief Crook explained. He was taught this in the police academy. Without this reliable cover, officers are put in potentially more dangerous situations.