President Donald Trump was escorted by a fleet of police cars when he arrived in Qatar on Wednesday, May 14, which included one notable model: Tesla Cybertrucks outfitted for police usage.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk was excited about the visual, posting about on his platform X, formerly Twitter.
Tumultuous 2025
Cybertrucks have had a tumultuous 2025, including sweeping recalls, but they are still being considered for use in police departments around the country.
As electric vehicles become more cost-competitive, durable and sustainable, police departments are eyeing them for long-term fleet replacement.
While most of the Cybertrucks currently in service are not used for regular patrols, departments are experimenting with ways to use them in community engagement, emergency response and specialized operations.
What To Know
In California, the Irvine Police Department became the first in the country to introduce a Cybertruck outfitted for police duty. According to Chief Michael Kent, the department spent more than $150,000 to modify the truck for use in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program.
The truck was modified with “emergency vehicle equipment upfitting” that included sirens, spotlights and custom graphics. The full conversion cost totaled more than $153,000 and is part of the city’s effort to connect more effectively with the public, especially students.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department added 10 Cybertrucks to its fleet in early 2025. The trucks were donated by an anonymous supporter.
In an email to Newsweek, the department said it has, “Not taken possession of the Cybertrucks yet,” and the date that they will be deployed has, “Not been established.”
In Greenfield, California, the police department announced in July 2024 that a Tesla Cybertruck would join its Model Y patrol fleet.
“By going electric, we’re not only reducing pollution, but also saving the city an estimated $15,000 in gas annually!” Greenfield Police said in a statement on social media.
What’s Next
South Pasadena, California, has opted for a full electric transition of its patrol fleet—albeit with a more conservative vehicles, 10 Tesla Model Ys and 10 Tesla Model 3s.
Newsweek reached out to the South Pasadena police force by phone on Thursday, May 15 requesting further comment.
Meanwhile, the police department for Alpharetta, Georgia pitched the use of Tesla Model Ys for patrol use as well in October 2024.
Newsweek contacted the department requesting an update by phone on Thursday, May 15.
Electric vehicles like the ones produced by Tesla may offer police advantages while eliminating fuel costs for the public. As departments assess performance and costs, more cities may follow.
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