Elon Musk showed off Tesla’s latest technology Thursday night, talking about its sleek Cybercab robotaxi and a new electric van prototype that “the future should look like the future.”
But now California police departments are starting to regret their decision to replace their vehicles with Tesla Ys models. SFGate’s interviews with three Northern California police chiefs found that despite going green, Tesla faces many other challenges as it prepares departments for a zero-emission future.
For example, once modified, the car’s back seat is too small for more than one passenger, and the front seat is too cramped for a police officer. The chief further cites “autopilot interference” when attempting to veer off the road. They say relying on unsecured charging stations leaves police vulnerable when transporting suspects long distances. During gunfights, police officers have learned to hide behind car engine blocks. For EVs this is not an option.
