City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: May 7, 2024
From: Robert Sousa, Chief of Police
Department: Police
Submitted by: Brandon Gray, Captain
Subject
Purchase of Electric Vehicles for Police Department
Recommendation
A. Approve and authorize the issuance of a Purchase Order to Tesla, Inc. for the purchase of two new Model Y vehicles for a total amount not to exceed $116,050; and B. Authorize a contingency amount of ten (10%) percent or $11,605, for pricing fluctuations and grant authority to the City Administrator to issue a Change Order for an amount up to the contingency amount, if necessary.
Background
The Vernon Police Department (VPD) budgeted the purchase of a new patrol vehicle and a detective/administration vehicle for the past couple of fiscal years but securing the purchase through Sourcewell has proven difficult. National supply issues and aging patrol vehicles have caused a significant vehicle shortage in the VPD.
Due to the shortage of standard internal combustion engine police vehicles, VPD elected to explore available electric police vehicles. After reviewing research conducted by police agencies throughout the nation, including the Anaheim and South Pasadena Police Departments, VPD has selected to purchase the Tesla Model Y.
Several factors were considered when selecting the Tesla Model Y over other available electric vehicles. Since 2003, Tesla has evolved and emerged as the all-electric EV market leader with safe, mature products with advanced technology. Safety, reliability, and performance are critical elements of successful public safety fleet operations. The Tesla Model Y proposed for patrol operations outperforms existing vehicle options, both electric and gas-powered, in all relevant metrics. In addition, the Tesla Model Y is the only pursuit-rated electric vehicle and is the safest vehicle ever crash-tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It received a 5- star rating in all categories and sub-categories by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Police Department and City staff inspected Tesla vehicles enroute to the South Pasadena Police Department. The Tesla Model Y vehicles had advanced features, including rapid acceleration, ample storage capacity, affordability, and low maintenance requirements, all of which are integral to police operations. With state-of-the-art technology and safety features, in addition to the supercharging network plans throughout the City, these electric vehicles would enable officers to respond swiftly to incidents and effectively engage with the community.
Furthermore, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) Fleet Rule 1191 mandates public fleet operators to procure low-emitting gasoline or alternative-fuel vehicles when adding or replacing vehicles to their vehicle fleet. Vehicles must be replaced with newer lower or zero-emission vehicles such as electric, compressed natural gas (CNG), hybrid, or gasoline vehicles rated LEV or better. In addition to SCAQMD’s Rule 1191, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is developing an Advanced Clean Fleet regulation which mandates public fleet operators to procure electric vehicles when adding or replacing vehicles in their vehicle fleet beginning in 2024. Fleet electrification is also in alignment with the City’s goal to reduce greenhouse gases and demonstrates the feasibility of newer technology in work settings to the public.
As such the VPD is proposing to replace the needed two vehicles that were internal combustion engines to battery electric vehicles. This will serve as a pilot program and give VPD the opportunity to test the Tesla Model Y as a patrol and a detective/administration vehicle to ensure that the agency is equipped with enough police vehicles to properly serve the community.
Throughout the pilot program, VPD officers will closely monitor the performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness of the Model Y in various operational settings. Data collected during this period will help guide future decisions regarding the integration of electric vehicles into the department’s fleet.
Typically, purchases of City fleet vehicles are facilitated through a Sourcewell cooperative buying contract, pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Chapter 3.32, Section 3.32.110(A)(5). As previously noted, the City has been unable to secure vehicles through National Fleet Auto Group which is a Sourcewell-based contract. Tesla also has a purchasing contract with the North Carolina Sheriff Association (NCSA) but based on the quotes there is a 0.75% NCSA usage fee (see Attachment 2).
Pursuant to VMC Chapter 3.32, Section 3.32.110(A)(2), this vehicle purchase is exempt from competitive bidding as Tesla, Inc. is the manufacturer and sells cars directly to end-consumers.
The vehicles would be purchased directly from Tesla, Inc. as Tesla has a “No Reseller Policy”.
Upon approval, the VPD will engage with Tesla to proceed with the purchase of available vehicles. If approved, VPD will return to Council with a vendor recommendation to outfit the vehicles with necessary equipment.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is not to exceed $127,655 including a 10% contingency if needed. Sufficient funds are available in General Fund, Public Works Department, Fleet Division, Capital Outlay Account No. 011-040-420-660000.
Attachments
1. Quote Vernon PD
2. Quote Vernon PD - NCSA