UP.FIT has Tesla Model S Plaid ready for police work

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In time, police forces will switch over entirely to electric vehicles but for now, most still have large fleets of combustion engines vehicles. While EVs will offer good performance to chase the bad guys, the issue of having ‘refuelling points’ (charging stations) is still important. Also, the ability of EVs to survive the hard use as police vehicles has yet to be validated.

In America, where some police departments have had EVs in their fleet, there have been varied assessments. Some are positive and welcome the switch but there are also some reports which indicate that police officers are not too happy with the way EVs like those from Tesla are designed.

SFGate reported that some police departments have that ‘Teslas are not equipped to handle the demands of modern policing’. Interior space is one issue and believe it or not, the police don’t like the fact that there is no solid metal mass of engine which can be used to provide a shield against bullets when they hide behind their cars.

The criticisms seem aimed at Teslas and there are also electric SUVs from Ford (the F-150 Lightning) which may be more suitable. Anyway, as time goes by, the issues should be addressed and EVs suited for police work will be available.

This is being shown by Unplugged Performance, through its UP.FIT division, which presented a Tesla Model S Plaid specifically designed for law enforcement applications at the recent SEMA 2024 show in Las Vegas.

Built on the powerful Model S Plaid platform, the UP.FIT Plaid Pursuit incorporates a suite of modifications and advanced technologies to enhance high-speed pursuit and traffic patrol capabilities. This debut vehicle is set to be delivered to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Motorsports community outreach program, marking a pivotal step in the adoption of EVs for public service roles.

The UP.FIT division transforms the standard Model S Plaid – which has a 1,000+ ps and a claimed 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) acceleration time of 1.99 seconds – into a robust patrol vehicle equipped for the demands of law enforcement work.

Key features of the UP.FIT Plaid Pursuit include a proprietary electrical wiring harness customised for UP.FIT Tesla vehicles to integrate customized forward and rear-facing warning lights integrated into the front and rear glass to improve aerodynamics compared to traditional rooftop light bars.

Also included is side skirt lighting, along with a push-bumper featuring additional warning lights, and integrated high- and low-frequency emergency sirens and public alert systems.

The police EV also benefits from performance upgrades that include enhanced braking components and forged lightweight wheels, ensuring increased durability and superior handling in pursuit situations.

“The UP.FIT Plaid Pursuit embodies everything we value in electric police vehicles,” said Ben Schaffer, CEO of Unplugged Performance. “From outstanding acceleration and range to reduced maintenance and fuel costs, this platform offers law enforcement the latest tools to enhance their mission while saving taxpayers’ money and promoting a cleaner future.”

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