Richmond RCMP testing Tesla police cruiser

Mounties in Richmond are testing a Tesla that could end up being part of their fleet.

The detachment took to Twitter to announce and show off the vehicle which is on loan from the West Shore RCMP, saying they’re “chasing criminals in fully marked, operational police EVs.”

Twitter users responded to the tweet with several questions. Some are wondering how this new vehicle will affect tax dollars, and others are curious whether the Richmond RCMP will be fully switching their fleet over to Teslas.

“A bit too soon to say we’re ‘switching to Tesla’ but we are taking a solid look into EVs,” the Richmond RCMP said in a tweet.

The car is fully set up with RCMP logos, lights, sirens, and a push bar on the front of the vehicle. Although, in responses to Twitter users, police say this particular Tesla “is not meant for ramming vehicles.”

In a release, they explain it all comes down to reducing the RCMP’s carbon footprint and fighting inflation-related fuel costs.

“This is the first-ever fully-electric RCMP police vehicle and we’re proud to be piloting it here in the West Shore detachment. Our geography and mild winter weather make this an ideal test environment. We’re also expecting to test two more electric vehicles in 2023, the Ford Mustang Mach-E and the Ford F-150. Adopting electric vehicles into our fleet demonstrates the RCMP’s stewardship and commitment to innovation in policing,” said West Shore RCMP Superintendent Todd Preston.

However, West Shore RCMP says “using electric vehicles in policing is not a one size fits all approach,” as EVs aren’t suitable for the colder winter climates in B.C.’s northern communities.

Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story incorrectly stated that the Tesla was part of the Richmond RCMP’s fleet.