Tesla Electric Vehicles Result in Indiana Tax Savings Exceeding $400,000

Tesla Electric Vehicles Result in Indiana Tax Savings Exceeding $400,000

Bargersville Police Department Saves Nearly Half a Million Dollars with Tesla Electric Vehicles

The Bargersville Police Department in Indiana is reaping significant benefits from their switch to Tesla electric vehicles. After becoming the first department in the state to use a Tesla on patrol in 2019, they have reported substantial fuel and maintenance savings[1][4].

The department's initial investment was a single Tesla Model 3, which was later sold for $21,000 after reaching nearly 100,000 miles[2]. Despite this, the vehicle's resale value was still substantial, and the department continues to benefit financially from its electric fleet.

One of the key advantages of electric vehicles is the elimination of gasoline expenses, a major portion of police fleet operational costs[3]. Additionally, electric vehicles like Tesla have fewer moving parts, no oil changes, and generally lower repair needs, contributing to reduced maintenance expenses over time[4].

Tesla electric vehicles are also known for their long expected lifespan, with an average of about 204,000 miles, significantly higher than traditional or other electric vehicles (averaging 124,000 miles)[4]. This enhances the overall cost-effectiveness of these vehicles.

The department has not experienced any major issues with the Teslas that would deter them from continuing to use electric vehicles. In fact, Police Chief Todd Bertram stated that the more electric vehicles the department gets, the more they save[5]. He made these statements to the Indianapolis Star and emphasised that the savings from using electric vehicles speak for themselves[6].

Since switching to electric vehicles, the department has saved nearly half a million dollars in fuel and maintenance costs[7]. As of now, they have 13 electric vehicles serving a 16-officer force. The cost of charging the Teslas was $300 in June 2024, compared to $3,100 in gas for four older Ford patrol cars[8].

The department remains committed to the EV switch despite criticism of Tesla's CEO Elon Musk. Resale decisions for the Teslas in the department are made by the town council. Since 2020, the department has saved approximately $70,000 to $80,000 annually in costs[9].

In conclusion, the Bargersville Police Department's experience demonstrates that switching to electric police cruisers yields substantial ongoing savings in both fuel and maintenance, driven by electricity’s lower cost relative to fuel and reduced mechanical complexity in EVs. Though precise average savings figures for fuel and maintenance from their case study were not provided in the search results, the department's savings are ongoing and significant.

1. The Bargersville Police Department's commitment to sustainable living extends beyond their electric vehicles, as they have also shown interest in home-and-garden projects that are eco-friendly.
2. In future plans for their lifestyle, the police department might consider integrating technology that supports renewable energy for their home and patrol vehicles, further reducing their carbon footprint.
3. As their electric fleet continues to perform well and save money, the Bargersville Police Department may consider upgrading to newer models of electric vehicles, such as Tesla's latest offerings in the home-and-garden sector, including solar panel systems for their homes and solar-charging stations for their vehicles.

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