City Council Agenda Report
Meeting Date: March 4, 2025
From: Robert Sousa, Chief of Police
Department: Police
Submitted by: Gustavo Herrera, Lieutenant - Services Division Subject
Purchase of Electric Vehicle for Police Department
Recommendation
A. Approve and authorize issuance of a Purchase Order to Tesla, Inc. for the purchase of a new Model Y vehicle for a total amount not-to-exceed $56,378; and B. Authorize a contingency amount of ten (10%) percent or $5,638, 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 within Fiscal year 2024-25 to address a need in the Department as national supply issues and an aging patrol fleet have caused a vehicle shortage within the VPD.
Due to the shortage of standard internal combustion engine police vehicles over the last few years, in 2024, the VPD elected to explore available electric police vehicle options. After reviewing research conducted by police agencies throughout the nation, including the Anaheim and South Pasadena Police Departments, the VPD determined the Tesla Model Y was the best option to meet the Department’s needs. On May 7, 2024 the City Council approved the purchase of two new Tesla Model Y vehicles enabling the VPD to pilot the use of these vehicles. Thus far, the VPD is satisfied with the performance of its current Model Y vehicles and is opting to add to its pilot program of Model Y vehicles through the proposed purchase of a new Model Y vehicle to be utilized as a patrol vehicle.
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 subcategories by the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Several factors were considered by the VPD when evaluating EV options in 2024 including safety, reliability, performance and technology. As part of this process VPD and City staff inspected Tesla vehicles enroute to the South Pasadena Police Department. The Tesla Model Y vehicles have 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, the Tesla EV’s are the best option to meet the Department’s needs.
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, VPD is proposing to replace a patrol vehicle that is an internal combustion engine to an electric vehicle. If approved, this vehicle will be added to the VPD‘s electric vehicle pilot program which will test the Tesla Model Y’s effectiveness as a patrol vehicle. Throughout the pilot program, VPD officers will closely monitor the performance, reliability, and costeffectiveness 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.
To ensure the City obtains competitive pricing, typically, purchases of City fleet vehicles are facilitated through cooperative buying contracts, pursuant to Vernon Municipal Code (VMC) Section 3.32.110(A)(5). Accordingly, staff sought a quote for the desired vehicle through Tesla’s purchasing contract with the North Carolina Sheriff Association (NCSA) (Attachment 1) and from Tesla directly (Attachment 2). Based on the quotes received, it is most cost-effective to purchase the vehicle directly from Tesla as there is a 0.75% NCSA usage fee to purchase via the NCSA contract.
Pursuant to VMC Section 3.32.110(A)(2), the proposed vehicle purchase is exempt from competitive bidding as Tesla, Inc. is the manufacturer and sells cars directly to end-consumers.
The vehicle would be purchased directly from Tesla, Inc. as Tesla has a “No Reseller Policy”.
Upon approval, 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 vehicle with necessary equipment.
Per VMC 3.32.030(B), City Council approval is required if, in the twelve (12) months preceding the effective date of a proposed new, renewed, or otherwise amended contract, the City has paid or awarded the vendor more than $100,000. Within the past twelve (12) months, the City has paid or awarded Tesla, Inc. a total of approximately $222,236 in contracts.
Fiscal Impact
The fiscal impact is not-to-exceed $62,016 including a 10% contingency if needed. Sufficient funds are available in General Fund, Police Department, Capital Equipment - Auto Account No. 011-030-300-660010.
Attachments
1. Tesla Quote Vernon PD – NCSA
2. Tesla Quote Vernon PD