- Las Vegas police just added ten Tesla Cybertrucks to their fleet.
- Billionaire Ben Horowitz donated all of the modified Cybertrucks.
- Department expects the trucks to save tens of thousands yearly.
If you spend any time in Las Vegas, whether as a resident or a visitor, don’t be surprised if you see a Cybertruck in police livery gliding down the Strip. These aren’t movie props or promotional gimmicks, they’re among the first Tesla Cybertruck police vehicles to enter active duty in the United States.
The trucks have been overhauled by Unplugged Performance and delivered to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD), where they’ve been adapted for duty in one of America’s busiest cities.
Who’s Picking Up the Bill?
One of the first questions that might come to mind when you hear about these Cybertrucks is, “Who’s paying for them?” Fortunately, it isn’t the taxpayer.
According to the LVMPD, all ten of the electric pickups were donated by Ben Horowitz and his wife. Horowitz, a tech entrepreneur and venture capitalist, is believed to be a billionaire and apparently a believer in electrified law enforcement.
Also: Cybertruck’s Light Bar Has Joined The Long List Of Things Falling Off Teslas
As for the Cybertrucks, each one comes equipped with a full suite of electronics required by the police department, including lights, sirens, and a PA system.
They also feature a series of upgrades to toughen up their looks and boost their off-roading credentials. For example, they’ve been fitted with new push bars, reinforced rock sliders, upgraded suspension components, and stronger brakes.
Counting the Savings
The LVMPD says these electric patrol trucks aren’t just about image, as they’re expected to save money too. The department estimates each Tesla Cybertruck will deliver a minimum of $47,540 in savings over its five-year service life compared with a traditional gasoline-powered police truck.
That includes annual fuel savings between $8,800 and $12,000, plus roughly $3,540 in reduced maintenance. Unless something falls off, that is. Whether those projections hold up once the trucks hit full duty remains to be seen.
Read: Las Vegas Gets First Cybertruck Police Fleet In America
“They will be at every area command… the trucks are high performance and built tough to handle everything from Fremont Street to Redrock Canyon,” LVMPD Sheriff Kevin McMahill said. “[The Cybertrucks are] practical, powerful and designed to make our job that much safer.”
Not only that, but the department claims it’s already seeing an uptick in recruitment thanks to the Cybertrucks. Apparently, nothing inspires future officers quite like a stainless-steel wedge these days.
