California police don’t like their Tesla police cars

On Thursday night, Elon Musk unveiled Tesla’s latest technology, saying of the Cybercab robotaxis look and a prototype of his new electric van that “the future should look like the future.”

Back in the present day, however, California police departments are beginning to regret their decision to replace their fleet with Tesla Ys models. While the climate is friendly — preparing the doors for a zero-emissions future — it turns out Teslas pose many other challenges, according to SFGate’s interviews with three Northern California police chiefs.

Adjusted, for example, the car’s back seat is too narrow for more than one passenger, while the front is too cramped for executives. Kings also cited “autopilot interference” for trying to swerve off the road; they say relying on charging stations puts the police at risk when transporting suspects over long distances; and note that when putting out a fire, the police are taught to hide behind the car engine. WIth EVs, that’s not an option.