LAPD Gets Tesla Model S, BMW i3

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — A Tesla Model S could soon be hitting Los Angeles streets bearing the motto "To Protect and Serve."

The LAPD has been loaned a Tesla Model S P85D and a BMW i3 and outfitted the two electric vehicles as patrol cars Friday during their unveiling.

Tesla says the Model S P85D can go from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and boasts a hefty 89 mpge on city streets. It starts at $105,000. The BMW i3 is a little more economical, starting at $42,400 and boasting an incredible 137 mpge on city streets. However, these two luxury electric vehicles are a loan for testing and research by LAPD technical experts to determine how the technology can support their future needs.

The department has already purchased 23 electric scooters and three electric motorcycles for use by patrol officers, as part of the city's commitment to build out its electric vehicle fleet.

Mayor Eric Garcetti says the city is committed to lease 160 pure battery EV vehicles – to be used by the LAPD, Los Angeles City Fire, General Services and LADWP – to replace aging city vehicles, giving Los Angeles the largest city-owned EV fleet in the country.

A hundred of the battery electric vehicles (BEV) will be used by the LAPD's detectives, investigators and administrators. LADWP will lease 44 BEVs and 113 plugin-in hybrids, city officials said.

"We already have 67 EVs in our motor pool, and will purchase even more to replace our older gasoline vehicles. LADWP's motor pool also includes plug-in hybrid trucks - which are not only better for air quality but quieter and therefore 'friendlier' to the neighborhoods we serve," LADWP General Manager Marcie Edwards said in a statement.

The announcement comes as Vice President Joe Biden and Chinese leaders are set to meet at the U.S.-China Climate Leaders Summit Wednesday.